DANIEL HEIRES is CEO of Consolidated Air Support Systems, LLC (CASS), and its subsidiaries, CASS Professional Services Corp. (CPS); Allied Defense Services International (ADSI); and Air Mobility Express (AMX).

Dan has had an aviation career spanning three decades with world-wide operational experience in both the civilian and military fields including every facet of Air Mobility Operations.  His unique perspective on the dichotomy of problems faced by the civilian and military sectors led to his founding of the Consolidated Air Support Systems ltd. with its Air Mobility Express (AMX) subsidiary as the conduit for mutually beneficial solutions.

As Chief of Tanker Operations for the Headquarters of the Fourth Air Force, US Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), he was responsible for oversight on the operations of the entire Reserve KC-135 fleet and half of the Reserve KC-10 units.  A key member of the command staff serving as the primary problem solver on all tanker related issues including: deployment, employment, regulations, standards and training, tactics, maintenance and mission capability rates, and aircrew manning and readiness.  Qualified as a Mission Ready, Standards and Evaluation / Instructor Pilot in the KC-135R.

In his civilian capacity as a FAA Certificated Airline Transport Pilot he holds type ratings on the B-707/B-720, B-727, B-737, B-747-100/200, B-747-400, B777, and A-319/320/321.  He has served as a FAA designated Line Check Airman and as a Pilot Representative and Senior System Scheduler for United Airlines. He has conducted several cost benefit analysis studies on commercial aircraft operations and basing strategies. He has served as Captain on the A-320 and B-727 and has extensive international operations in the B-747 and B-777. 

In his position as Senior Director for the Pacific Operations Support Center he developed a broad experience as the operational controller for all air operations within the Pacific Command.  He was also fully qualified as a Fighter Delivery Control Officer regularly planning and executing critical Tanker/Fighter Oceanic Crossing (Coronet) Missions.  He also served in the Special Operations Command, Korea as an Air Operations Officer.

He started his career with the Strategic Air Command in the 1980’s flying water injected KC-135 A-models and was well versed in strategic nuclear and conventional contingency planning.  He was upgraded to Aircraft Commander, Instructor, and Evaluator well ahead of standard.  He achieved Distinguish Graduate and/or Outstanding Performance in every Combat Crew Training School (CCTS).

Colonel Heires is a highly decorated combat veteran with 7 major operational deployments including OPERATIONS: DESERT SHIELD / STORM, PROVIDE COMFORT, RESTORE HOPE, and DENY FLIGHT. He commanded more than 100 operational sorties; logging over 500 hours of combat and combat support time.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Systems and Industrial Engineering; graduating with Honors and Distinction.  He is a graduate of several USAF schools including Air Command and Staff College. While attending the University of Arizona he was regional, then State Chairman for a political party where he was heavily involved with election of John McCain to the US Senate. 

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