Noted aviation expert Jorge Lares, a leading authority on fuel management and fixed base operations (FBO) terminals has joined Miami-based Lemartec Engineering and Construction Corp. as manager of its aviation division.

The move underscores Lemartec’s increased emphasis on aviation.

“With the addition of Jorge and his vast experience and expertise, Lemartec can expand its aviation footprint on an international scale,” said Manny García-Tuñón, the company’s president. “And that’s what we intend to do.”

Lares holds a degree in industrial engineering, has 23 years of experience in the aviation market, and has himself logged an extensive amount of flight time as a pilot. He has been responsible for the development and management of high-value facilities, including FBOs and hangars, and has played a key role in the development of state-of-the-art fuel management automation systems for FBO facilities.

Lares is also considered a hero. He was a member of Brothers to the Rescue, a group of pilots who voluntarily fly search-and-rescue missions to save raft refugees fleeing Cuba to find freedom. Although not Cuban, Lares had flown 124 missions and was directly involved in the rescue of 511 lives before almost losing his life when his plane crashed in the Everglades on Christmas Eve in 1992.

“We certainly consider him a hero around here,” said García-Tuñón.

Lares caught García-Tuñón’s attention while they worked together on several major aviation projects.

Lares comes to Lemartec from Miami Executive Aviation (MEA), which is the number one FBO in Miami. MEA’s parent company, Ross Aviation, has an expansive network of FBOs and is one of the largest FBO companies in the United States.

During the 15 years he was there, Lares was responsible for all aspects of three new corporate hangar construction projects, which totaled more than $15 million. He was directly involved in the permitting process to satisfy all federal, state and local regulatory agencies and developed marketing strategies that have resulted in leasing all available hangar and office space.

In addition to expanding its growth internationally, García-Tuñón says his company also plans to develop aviation property as a subsidiary for Lemartec itself.

“Going forward, our goals are two-fold: grow our construction business internationally and develop our own aviation potential,” he said. “We have found the right man to lead the way.”