Honolulu Advertiser, 21-11-2006
In an industry known for mavericks, Jonathan Ornstein stands out. Since he launched the new interisland airline go! less than six months ago, Ornstein has been sued by his two major competitors, been praised by consumers and received hate mail from rival pilots.The 49-year-old chief executive officer of Mesa Air Group is brash and outspoken — not always the most admired traits for CEOs operating in Hawai'i. But as long as Ornstein keeps flying people between islands for $39, he is likely to find plenty of support in the state. "He is one of those love-him-or-hate-'em kind of guys," said Scott Hamilton, founder of the aviation consulting firm Leeham Co. in Issaquah, Wash. "John is an extraordinarily controversial individual." As a stockbroker nearly 20 years ago, Ornstein had his license suspended for alleged unauthorized trading. Ornstein says that mistake taught him the value of second chances, and he has made the most of his.
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