michael russo
president and director of operations
Michael J. Russo, a New York State licensed Professional Engineer, built his engineering career at Anthony Russo, Inc. a design and construction firm founded by his father in 1927. With an unprecedented passion for flying, Michael became an Officer in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he obtained his commercial pilot license, becoming a flight instructor, and received his Commercial Airline Transport Pilot’s Certificate. In 1978, Michael founded Northeastern Aviation Corporation. He obtained Northeastern Air Management’s first leasehold with the New York State DOT at Republic Airport in 1995 and has overseen the company’s development and construction of its three hangars. In 2006 he co-founded, with Michael Patti, SMC Aviation Inc., an FAA Certified Repair Station, further expanding the scope of services offered by the Northeastern group of companies. A dedicated philanthropist, Michael helped establish and endow Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s “Maureen Russo Hospice Center” in memory of his late wife.