Michael Jones

Bio

Michael Jones is the Executive Chairman and Group CEO of Equatorial Launch Australia – owner and operator of the Arnhem Space Centre – the world’s most advanced multi-user commercial spaceport, located at 12o South of the Equator.
An experimental test pilot and experienced businessman with background in Investment Banking, Aerospace and Professional Sport, Michael has over 30 years’ experience holding numerous C-Suite roles including CEO of Raytheon Australia - one of the world’s leading high technology defence, electronics, systems engineering and aeronautical services companies. Michael is the Founder and ex-Chairman and CEO of Australia’s largest regional airlines, REX Airlines. Michael has also completed several senior advisory and technical appointments with Boeing, Airbus, IPTN/CASA and Alenia Aeronautica.

Michael is a highly distinguished graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon and the Empire Test Pilots' School UK. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and a member of Financial Services Institute of Australasia.

Since joining ELA in 2021, Michael has overseen significant development and growth of the company including completing Series A and B capital raises, steering the development and construction of the Arnhem Space Centre and gaining of both Launch Facilities Licence and Launch Permits from the Australian Space Agency for the conduct of three space launches for NASA over a 15 day period in June 2022. These launches included Australia’s first ever commercial space launch, as well as NASA’s first ever launches from a commercial spaceport.