Boost air appoints ex-mbda chief to lead defense push
A newly formed European aerospace and defense group, Boost Air, is betting heavily on experienced leadership to fuel its ambitious expansion plans. The company, born from the merger of Gestair, Brok-air, and ATS Aviation, has tapped Daniel García Guelbenzu as its CEO for Defense, signaling a sharp focus on capturing a significant share of the European defense market.
A veteran takes the helm
García Guelbenzu brings over two decades of experience in the aerospace and defense sectors to the role. Most notably, he served as CEO of MBDA España from 2010 to 2021, a period marked by substantial growth and the establishment of unique engineering capabilities within the Spanish division. His tenure saw MBDA España rise to become a recognized leader in defense systems within the country.
The appointment comes as Boost Air, backed by private equity firms Hyperion Fund and Corporación Financiera Azuaga (with former PP leader Pablo Casado among Hyperion’s founders), aims to generate €600 million in revenue within five years. The company’s stated commitment is to operational excellence and strategic growth, particularly in security, operational availability, and autonomy—key considerations in today's geopolitical climate.
Prior to MBDA, García Guelbenzu held leadership positions at GE Aviation, Airbus, and Boeing, consistently demonstrating an ability to forge critical industrial alliances and establish long-term industrial capabilities within Spain. His consulting work since 2021, advising defense and aerospace companies, further underscores his deep understanding of the European military ecosystem and the regulatory landscape.
Miguel Ángel Morell, CEO of Boost Air, characterized the appointment as a “significant milestone,” highlighting García Guelbenzu’s “profound knowledge of the European defense market, proven operational management track record, and strategic network of relationships.” But there’s more at play here than simply adding experienced personnel; the backing of Hyperion Fund, with its ties to Spanish politics, raises questions about the potential for political influence and preferential treatment within the highly regulated defense sector. The coming years will reveal whether Boost Air can deliver on its financial projections and navigate the complexities of European defense procurement without succumbing to political pressures.