Rick Svetkoff
Founded Starfighters (the F-104 fleet operator) in Florida in 1995/96 after acquiring an F-104, following a US Navy career flying A-4 Skyhawks (1978-1984) and a stint as a Continental Airlines pilot. Stepped down as Chairman/CEO/President of the public holding company in February 2026 following its NYSE American listing, but remains its largest shareholder at 32.1%.
Rick Svetkoff founded Starfighters (incorporated in Florida as Starfighters, Inc. on November 16, 1995) after a career as a U.S. Navy A-4 Skyhawk pilot and a subsequent stint flying for Continental Airlines. He built the company around a fleet of ex-military Lockheed F-104 Starfighter jets, which Starfighters Space uses to simulate high-speed, high-G space-launch conditions for NASA and commercial customers. He served as Chairman, CEO, and President through the company's 2026 IPO and NYSE American listing, resigning from all three roles and as a director on February 19, 2026; his resignation letter cited disagreement with the board over the company's operations, policies, and practices, a characterization the company has disputed. He remains the company's largest shareholder, controlling approximately 32.1% of its common stock.
Overview
- Role
- Founder; former Chairman, CEO & President, Starfighters Space
- Based in
- Tarpon Springs, FL
- Prior experience
- U.S. Navy (A-4 Skyhawk pilot), Continental Airlines
Affiliated funds0
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Frequently asked
- Who is Rick Svetkoff?
- Rick Svetkoff founded Starfighters (incorporated in Florida as Starfighters, Inc. on November 16, 1995) after a career as a U.S. Navy A-4 Skyhawk pilot and a subsequent stint flying for Continental Airlines. He built the company around a fleet of ex-military Lockheed F-104 Starfighter jets, which Starfighters Space uses to simulate high-speed, high-G space-launch conditions for NASA and commercial customers. He served as Chairman, CEO, and President through the company's 2026 IPO and NYSE American listing, resigning from all three roles and as a director on February 19, 2026; his resignation letter cited disagreement with the board over the company's operations, policies, and practices, a characterization the company has disputed. He remains the company's largest shareholder, controlling approximately 32.1% of its common stock.
- What is Rick Svetkoff's role?
- Rick Svetkoff is Founder; former Chairman, CEO & President, Starfighters Space, based in Tarpon Springs, FL.
- Where did Rick Svetkoff work before?
- Rick Svetkoff's prior roles include U.S. Navy (A-4 Skyhawk pilot), Continental Airlines.
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