Montreal-based startup strengthens leadership team as airlines face growing operational disruption challenges

MONTREAL – Canadian aviation technology company stratosX has appointed former Southwest Airlines executives Matt Hafner and Charles Cunningham to key leadership roles as it continues development of AI-enabled recovery technology for airline operational control centres (OCCs).

The company announced that Hafner will join as Strategic Advisor, while Cunningham has been appointed Chief Product Officer. Both previously held senior operational leadership positions at Southwest Airlines and will reunite with stratosX co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Kaitlin Guarino, who formerly served as Director of Southwest’s Network Operations Control (NOC).

Experienced operational leadership

Hafner spent 37 years at Southwest Airlines, including serving as Vice President of Network Operations and Vice President of Ground Operations. During his tenure, he was involved in the airline’s operational control transformation initiatives. Cunningham played a leading role in the development of Southwest’s day-of-operations and analytics capabilities.

According to stratosX, the appointments reflect a shared belief among the three former Southwest operators that airline recovery operations require more integrated technological approaches as operational environments become increasingly complex.

Focus on recovery operations

The company is developing its X360 recovery platform, which aims to provide integrated visibility across aircraft, crew and passenger recovery functions during operational disruptions. The platform incorporates AI-based analytical tools and what the company describes as a unified data framework designed to support operational decision-making.

stratosX noted that airline recovery operations are facing increasing challenges amid rising traffic volumes, air traffic management constraints and complex disruption scenarios. The company highlighted recent operational disruption events and ongoing industry discussions around regulatory reform as indicators of the growing importance of recovery capabilities.

Industry engagement planned

The company will participate in Aviation Festival Americas in Miami during June, where Chief Executive Officer Ghislain Gagné is scheduled to present on operational recovery performance measurement and resilience strategies.

Founded in Montreal, stratosX develops AI-enabled operational systems intended to support airlines in managing disruptions across aircraft, crew and passenger operations. The company’s stated objective is to improve operational recovery outcomes and network resilience through integrated decision-support tools.