We’re more than just aviation experts, we’re a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional service every step of the way.
Watch the video to get to know the faces behind The Plane Factory and hear what drives us to keep you flying.
This year marks my 20th anniversary in aviation—a journey that has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Most of my career has been spent in the cockpit, fulfilling my passion for flight. I began as a fixed-wing instructor, but a few years in, I embraced the opportunity to obtain my helicopter license. Now, as a Grade 2 rotary-wing instructor, I’m fortunate to combine my love of teaching with my love of flying.
My career has also been enriched by diverse ventures. I owned and managed a medical center, explored aircraft sales, and served as a corporate pilot for a mining company. These experiences have added depth to my professional journey and broadened my perspective on the aviation industry. I’ve had the privilege of living and working across South Africa, flying out of various locations, including my most recent base at sunny yet windy Virginia Airport. Each chapter has brought unique challenges and unforgettable memories.
Outside of aviation, I embrace my most important roles: being a mom to two amazing boys and a wife to my wonderful husband, who also shares a background in aviation, having flown helicopters and worked for the airline. Aviation is my passion, but my family and the life we've built together truly make it all worthwhile.
My name is Tres-Jolie Fourie. I have over 20 years of aviation experience, totalling 13,000 hours of flight time, tallied by charter operations, regional airline operations, and Emirates Airline. Global private aircraft sales and acquisitions are my speciality, ensuring compliance with worldwide regulatory and operational environments.
When expertly sourcing and brokering both pre-owned and new aircraft for worldwide clientele, I use a guided and transparent process. I focus mainly on acquisitions in North America, the Middle East, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific regions. This also includes fast-growing markets like Africa and Southeast Asia where my goal is to shrink distances, save time and unlock business opportunities for high-end individuals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and even small agricultural companies across Africa.
I deliver tailored aviation solutions that align with each client’s unique goals, transforming lives and businesses. I will empower your vision..
Lechelle Dippenaar specializes in aircraft sales and acquisitions, bringing over 15 years of diverse experience in the aviation industry.
As a commercial pilot with a background in aircraft management, charter operations, maintenance, and parts acquisition, Lechelle would be an excellent partner to ensure you find the aircraft that best suits your needs and preferences.
With a career spanning over two decades, Adam Pucjlowski is a highly skilled and experienced aviation professional specializing in rotary and fixed-wing operations. A former Major in the South African Air Force, he has held prominent positions in both military and civilian aviation, excelling as a pilot, instructor, and training officer.
Adam's expertise includes operating and instructing on a diverse range of aircraft, such as the AS332 Super Puma, H145, A320, and ATR series. His instructional capabilities are well-established, with over 1,500 hours of teaching experience in both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. He also has extensive simulator instruction expertise, currently serving as a Simulator Instructor at Henley Air.
Adam’s diverse career history includes roles at reputable organizations such as South African Airways, Bristow Helicopters, Solenta Aviation, Starlite Aviation, and Acher Aviation. His leadership and instructional roles have consistently demonstrated his dedication to safety, operational excellence, and mentorship in the aviation field.
A seasoned pilot with several years of experience and a passion for aviation, James brings a unique blend of hands on flight knowledge and a customer centric approach to aircraft sales.
Being an instructor and also having worked for aviation companies offering Humanitarian Air services under the UNITED NATIONS HUMANITARIAN AIR SERVICES PROGRAM{UNHAS}, he is well equipped to guide potential buyers through the complexities of aircraft selection and purchase.
His commitment to safety combined with his strong communication and interpersonal skills, ensures a seamless and enjoyable sales experience for every customer.
Colin brings over 25 years of aviation expertise and a strong commercial background to The Plane Factory team. His flying career spans the South African Airforce, and two major international airlines, with experience on aircraft including theBoeing 737-800, Airbus A330, A340, A380 and A350. With an Executive MBA from Hult International Business School and a Bachelor ofCommerce degree, Colin combines operational expertise with business development, project management and sustainability insight.
He is passionate about helping clients navigate complex decisions, building strategic partnerships and delivering tailored aircraft solutions that meet both operational and commercial objectives.
An accomplished professional with a strong foundation in Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Thiago Martins brings a wealth of experience in operations, strategic team development, and quality process implementation.
Currently positioned to advance to a C-Level role, Thiago seeks to leverage a deep commitment to operational excellence and international business expansion to contribute to organisational growth and success.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation and Logistics Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) in Joinville, Brazil, Thiago has developed a keen understanding of complex logistical and operational dynamics. Thiago is passionate about driving forward-thinking strategies in high-impact areas, bringing a proven track record of elevating operational standards and fostering growth in competitive markets.