Our Values

Unbridled travel experiences

Freedom is the foundation of everything we do at Soulbird. We are committed to offering hassle-free private jet charters and experiences. When you travel with us, you gain full access to the luxuries life has to offer.

Absolute Privacy

Our commitment to privacy includes protecting client and passenger information, as well as cultivating a truly personal travel experience. When you book a jet with Soulbird, you give yourself the gift of retreat.

Superior Service

We know that premium service is the key to client satisfaction. Our work is not done until we know that every interaction has been a delight. We want Soulbird to be your jet charter company of choice, and top-notch service is what keeps passengers coming back.

live well, fly often.

Sho Kassam
Sho Kassam headshot

Owner

Originally from Mombasa, Kenya, Shohaib “Sho” Kassam brings an international perspective to Soulbird. Sho began his flying career in Norman, Oklahoma in 2000 as a flight instructor.

Sho later accepted a role as chief pilot at Oklahoma Aviation in 2004 and was later promoted to director of operations. The company became available for sale in 2010 and having missed the ownership opportunity once before, Sho didn’t hesitate the second time. He became an owner in 2011 and has not looked back since.

Sho stays active as a pilot and is also type rated in the Cessna 525, Beech 400, Hawker 750 and Citation Sovereign+ jets. His focus is to continuously work with our team in delivering the best in class, private aviation flight experience to Soulbird clientele.

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Russ Arnold
Russ Arnold headshot

Director of Operations

Russ and his family have lived locally in Edmond, OK for the better part of 25 years. First moving to Oklahoma in 1997 while still on active duty in the U.S. Navy, he and his wife Denice have made Oklahoma their family home along with their four grown children.

After graduating from Georgia Tech in 1989 and commissioning in the U.S. Navy, Russ headed off to naval flight training in Pensacola, FL and Kingsville, TX, eventually earning his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator in July 1992. Dreams became reality and he was selected to fly the F-14 Tomcat and stationed in San Diego, CA at NAS Miramar. While in San Diego, Russ and Denice were blessed with the birth of their first child, Ashley. Later stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA, they were again blessed with the birth of their twins, Chase and Courtney. His final tour of active duty was at Tinker AFB flying the E-6B Mercury. It was here in Edmond that their fourth child, Zach, was born in 2000. After separating from active duty in May 2000, Russ continued to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve for the next 18 years, eventually retiring from the Reserves in January 2018. In addition to his military roots, he has flown various aircraft during scheduled air carrier operations, on demand charter, and corporate operations for high net worth individuals.

Russ and Denice have been married over 30 years and remain extremely close with their four grown children.

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Bob Castle
Bob Castle headshot

Chief Pilot

Bob Castle is Chief Pilot for Soulbird. Born in Oak Park, IL, he grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. Fascinated by airplanes and aviation, he joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet.

After attending Southern Illinois University, Bob was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps. He served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer at Robins AFB, GA and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Instructor Weapons Director/Senior Director at Tinker AFB, OK. After leaving military active duty, Bob worked for the US Customs Service/Customs and Border Protection in Oklahoma City as a Detection Systems Specialist (Airborne), Support Services Specialist and Aircraft Flight Instructor. While at Customs, Bob qualified in the Cessna 100/200 series, Cessna 550 Citation II, Beechcraft C-12/B200 and Piper Super Cub. He retired from CBP after 29 years of service. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. Bob has over 8,000 flying hours with Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor certificates.

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Nic Hawker
Nic Hawker headshot

Director of Maintenance

Nic Hawker is the Director of Maintenance. Born in Flint, Michigan, he grew up outside of Tampa, Florida. With a strong desire to travel, he achieved his Airframe and Powerplant Certification through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach in 1999.

Nic worked his way through the ranks of aviation maintenance as a technician for a Part 135 Charter and Part 141 Flight School in Florida and then achieved his Inspection Authorization Certificate. He relocated to OKC in 2003 to be an Aircraft Inspector for a Part 145 Repair Station. As a person always looking and finding efficiencies, he was promoted multiple times within the company to become a Maintenance Control Manager and then a Director of Maintenance. In 2010 he earned the opportunity to become the Director of Maintenance of a large fleet of specially modified aircraft that were under contract to provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to the U.S. Government and her allies in support of the Global War on Terror. At the helm of this fast-moving ISR aircraft fleet, spread all over the world, Nic was able to fulfill his desires to travel by going to and managing aircraft maintenance in some of the most austere and remote environments on the planet while supporting over 133,000 flight hours and innumerable sorties. He joined the Team at Soulbird in 2022 to be a part of this large and dynamic fleet. He enjoys motorcycling and restoring vintage International Scouts.

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Anne Buthion
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Charter Director

Anne Buthion serves as Charter Director for Soulbird. She joined the Oklahoma Aviation team in 2017 as Charter Associate.

Anne grew into the director role in early 2021, parallel to the charter department’s transition to Soubird. She oversees a wide range of charter travel, including domestic and international travel. She’s helped to execute missions each unique to her client’s needs. Anne considers herself fortunate to work alongside some of the most elite aviation professionals in the industry. She is engaged in the successful execution of aviation and concierge services from start to finish. Anne has a true affinity for Soulbird, and brings 15 years of experience in managing and supervisory roles, with an emphasis on client relations and communication. Anne holds a bachelor’s degree and Master of Science degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. Prior to joining the Soulbird team, she served as Speech-Language Pathologist at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, providing neuro-cognitive and dysphagia rehabilitation services.

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Harrison Knott
Harrison Knott headshot

Charter Sales Executive

Harrison is originally from Orange County, Calif. Later obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Management.

He has begun his career path in business aviation following graduation. Harrison has enjoyed applying the skills he obtained at university to his role at Soulbird.

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Rawhan Rather
Rawhan Rather headshot

Charter Administrator

Rawhan serves as the Charter Administrator for Soulbird.

Based out of Kashmir, India, he believes flying is integral to his life and is passionate about aviation. Rawhan graduated from high school in 2017 and began his aviation journey in the same year. He enrolled in Oklahoma Aviation and acquired his Commercial Pilot License in Multi-engine and Single Engine Aircraft. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s in Business Administration while simultaneously working toward his aviation career. Rawhan aspires to be an airline pilot in the future.

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Get in Touch

Contact us today and speak with a Soulbird representative.
(405) 787-4568