Meet the Manager:
Zach McDonald
Zach McDonald, Sheltair TPA General Manager
At Sheltair Aviation, our General Managers are more than just leaders—they’re the backbone of our operations. They ensure that every day runs smoothly, oversee complex logistics, and build lasting relationships with their teams, tenants, and communities. No two Sheltair locations are alike, and each presents its own unique challenges, from the fast-paced demands of a bustling hub like Tampa International Airport (TPA) to managing weather-related hurdles or nurturing tight-knit communities.
Our GMs embody Sheltair’s “family-first” mission, treating employees, tenants, and customers as part of an extended aviation family. They lead with care, adaptability, and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences at every turn. Today, we’re excited to kick off our “Meet the Manager” series by introducing you to Zach McDonald, General Manager at Sheltair Tampa.
Zach’s story is one of passion, leadership, and a deep connection to aviation—and we couldn’t be prouder to share it with you.
A Lifelong Passion for Aviation
For Zach McDonald, aviation isn’t just a career—it’s in his blood. From a young age, he dreamed of becoming a pilot, captivated by the thrill and possibilities of flight. But it was a pivotal moment during his military service that opened the door to the world of fixed-base operations (FBOs).
"During my time in the military, we stopped through an FBO while on TDY, and it completely changed my perspective," Zach recalls. "I fell in love with the dynamic environment and the opportunity to connect with people who shared my passion for aviation."
As a family man, Zach sought an organization that reflected his personal values—where employees were treated like family and the company was dedicated to giving back to the community. Enter Sheltair.
"When I discovered Sheltair, I knew I had found the perfect place to build my career," he shares. "This company is more than just an employer. It’s an extension of the passion I’ve had for aviation my entire life."
A view of the recently renovated Sheltair TPA FBO lobby.
A Day in the Life: Leading at Tampa International Airport
As General Manager at Sheltair Tampa, Zach thrives in the dynamic environment of Tampa Bay and the Tampa International Airport (TPA). But ask him what a typical day looks like, and his answer reflects the unpredictable nature of aviation.
"No day is ever the same," Zach explains. "Each day brings its own challenges and opportunities, from managing Quick Turns and medical flights to meeting the unique demands of our customers."
Tampa is one of Sheltair’s most popular high-demand bases, thanks to the rapid growth of the Tampa Bay area as a premier destination for business, tourism, and special events. As the region continues to flourish, TPA has become a hot spot for private and business aviation, keeping Zach and his team on their toes.
Adding to the dynamic nature of TPA is a unique service that sets it apart from other locations: Sheltair Tampa now offers its hangar space for private events, accommodating gatherings of over 700 guests. From corporate galas to intimate celebrations, this offering highlights Sheltair’s versatility and commitment to serving the diverse needs of the Tampa community. Recent events have included the Wheels, Wings & Hearts gala, which supported local victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as the House Hats Hangar charity concert, which raised funds for Beats Give Back—a nonprofit that empowers foster care students through access to music technology, equipment, and education.
"Hosting events in our hangar is an exciting challenge," Zach shares. "It’s not just about aviation—we’re providing a space where people can come together and create memorable experiences. It’s a reflection of how we strive to be more than an FBO—we want to be an integral part of the community."
This unique offering is just one of the many ways Zach and his team go above and beyond to make Sheltair Tampa a standout location in the Sheltair network. To tackle this ever-changing landscape, Zach relies on clear planning, flexibility, and a willingness to pivot when unexpected situations arise. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration and leading by example.
"I believe in jumping in with my team when we’re in the trenches," he says. "It’s that collaborative spirit and willingness to go above and beyond that allow us to deliver exceptional service every time."
What Sets Sheltair Apart
For Zach, Sheltair isn’t just another FBO—it’s a company with a culture that truly stands out. From top-down leadership to day-to-day operations, Sheltair’s commitment to its people is evident in everything it does.
"Leadership at Sheltair truly listens to employees’ concerns and takes actionable steps to make a difference," Zach explains. "This creates a supportive and inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered."
This family-first culture doesn’t just impact employees—it extends to the customer experience.
"When employees feel pride in their work, it shines through in the service we deliver," Zach adds. "At Sheltair, we operate as a family, and that connection makes all the difference in the experience we create for our customers."
Embracing Innovation: The Role of Technology in FBO Services
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, technology is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of FBO operations. At Sheltair Tampa, Zach and his team are embracing this transformation with open arms.
"Tasks that were once paper-based are now migrating to digital platforms, and it’s a game-changer," Zach says. "Processes like fuel orders, Quality Control, and service requests are moving to electronic tablets, improving efficiency and reducing redundancies."
By streamlining workflows and enhancing communication, these advancements allow the Sheltair team to spend more time where it matters most—interacting with customers.
"This isn’t just about improving operations; it’s about elevating the customer experience to new levels of efficiency and personalization," Zach explains.
Leading with Heart: A Family-First Approach
At the core of Zach’s leadership philosophy is the belief that every employee is family. He works tirelessly to foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and open communication within his team, creating an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered.
"When you prioritize mentorship and genuine care for your team, it naturally creates a ripple effect that extends to the customer experience," he says.
That family-first approach drives everything Zach and his team do at TPA, from warmly welcoming customers upon arrival to going above and beyond to meet their unique needs.
"This sense of belonging and pride in our work is something our customers can feel when they interact with us," Zach shares. "It’s what sets us apart and makes Sheltair more than just a place to refuel—it’s a place to feel at home."
Lisa Holland joins Zach and the Sheltair Tampa team to celebrate their Teammate of the Month with a special presentation at the base.
A Vision for Exceptional Service
When asked what motivates him to continually raise the bar at Sheltair, Zach’s answer is simple: it’s about creating lasting impressions.
"Whenever a customer interacts with a member of my team or visits my FBO, I want them to leave with a positive experience," he says. "Whether it’s a simple act of kindness or delivering seamless service during a critical time, I want every interaction to be memorable."
At Sheltair Tampa, Zach and his team are dedicated to going beyond expectations and building relationships that bring customers back time and time again.
A Look Ahead
Zach McDonald’s story is just the beginning of our “Meet the Manager” series, where we celebrate the incredible leaders who make Sheltair a family-first organization. From his lifelong passion for aviation to his commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace, Zach exemplifies everything that makes Sheltair special.
Stay tuned as we introduce more of the talented GMs who keep our operations running smoothly and deliver the exceptional experiences that our customers have come to expect.
Ready to experience the Sheltair difference? Visit us at sheltairaviation.com and follow our blog to learn more about our incredible team.