GoJet Airlines CEO Rick Leach to Headline Spartan Education Group's Next Beyond the Runway Virtual Aviation Webinar

Airline executive and founder of GoJet Airlines to share leadership insights, industry trends, and career advice with the next generation of aviation professionals. 

CHICAGO, Ill. — Spartan Education Group (SEG) is pleased to announce that Rick Leach, President and Chief Executive Officer of GoJet Airlines, will be the featured guest for the next installment of its Beyond the Runway virtual aviation speaker series. 

With more than four decades of aviation leadership experience, Leach has played a pivotal role in shaping the regional airline industry. During the event, he will share lessons learned throughout his remarkable career, discuss the evolving aviation workforce, and provide valuable guidance for students and aspiring aviation professionals pursuing careers in the industry. 

Leach began his aviation career in airline operations before joining Trans States Airlines, where he helped lead the company's growth from a small regional carrier into one of the nation's largest regional airline holding companies. In 2005, he founded GoJet Airlines and later led the development of the innovative CRJ-550, the world's first multi-cabin 50-seat regional jet, helping redefine the regional airline passenger experience. 

"Rick Leach's career is a testament to the opportunities available throughout the aviation industry," said Rob Polston, CEO of Spartan Education Group. "His experience building airlines, leading teams, and driving innovation will provide invaluable insight for our students, alumni, and aviation community." 

The Beyond the Runway series connects students, alumni, aviation professionals, and enthusiasts with influential leaders from across the aviation industry. The previous guest included former American Airlines Chairman and CEO, Doug Parker. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from Leach about leadership, industry innovation, workforce development, and the future of regional aviation, followed by a live audience Q&A session. 

Event Details 

Beyond the Runway with Rick Leach 
President and CEO, GoJet Airlines 

Date: July 15, 2026 
Time: 6:00 PM EST 
Format: Virtual Event 

Registration is free and open to the public. Register to attend here. 

About Spartan Education Group    

Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG) owns and operates Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, an accredited system of schools with campuses in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Broomfield, Colorado; Inglewood, California; and Riverside, California. Spartan College has more than 97 years of history and has trained more than 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians.  

SEG also owns several independent flight training operations, including McAir Aviation (FAA Part 141), Illinois Aviation Academy (FAA Part 141), and Spartan Flight Academy (FAA Part 61). These flight schools provide non-Title IV flight training and operate independently from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. Federal student aid is not available for these flight training programs, and completion of training does not guarantee certification or employment.