James Hnat is a distinguished aviation industry executive and attorney with over 25 years of experience specializing in transportation, aviation law, and corporate governance. He currently serves as Partner at JTR Strategies, where he advises clients on complex regulatory matters and is a leader in the Aviation Investment Advisory Practice helping investors navigate industry transformation and opportunities across many sectors with a particular focus on transportation, infrastructure, hospitality, tech, and energy.

Previously, James served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at JetBlue Airways from 2001 to 2018. During his 17-year tenure, he played a pivotal role in the airline’s expansion from 14 cities to over 100 destinations, overseeing Legal, Government and Airport Affairs, Sustainability, and Cybersecurity. His responsibilities also included oversight of Safety, Security, People, Audit, and Corporate Communications at various periods.

Before JetBlue, James honed his expertise at prestigious law firms, practicing aviation litigation at Condon & Forsyth and representing banks and lenders in aircraft finance transactions at Milbank Tweed. He brings particular depth in corporate public market transactions, aircraft financing, regulatory compliance, and board governance matters.

James maintains active board positions with Pallas Advisors, a strategic advisory firm specializing in national security; Airlink, where he is former Chairman and current board member; and The Bob Woodruff Foundation, where he serves as Governance Committee Chairman. His previous board leadership roles include Chairman positions JSX and the Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

James received his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School and his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Boston University.