To create a culture of safety, efficiency, and luxury, we base everything we do on a set of core values. These principles guide us and instill passion on a daily basis.
Freedom is the foundation of everything we do. We are committed to offering hassle-free services and experiences.
Delivering a safe travel experience is of the utmost importance. Both clients and guests can rest assured that every safety precaution has been taken.
Our commitment to privacy includes protecting client information, as well as cultivating a truly personal travel experience.
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.
President
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.
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.