Michael Barber is Managing Director and Vice President of Sales Operations at jetAVIVA, where, as part of the large cabin team, he leads the firm's super midsize aircraft practice. His primary focus is the Bombardier Challenger 300, 350, and 3500 series — the bestselling super-midsize platform of all time — alongside the Gulfstream G280, Falcon 2000 family, Embraer Praetors, and other aircraft across the segment.

He is one of fewer than 300 IADA Certified Brokers worldwide — a designation requiring demonstrated transaction volume, industry tenure, and a binding commitment to fiduciary representation. He serves as Vice Chair of the IADA NextGen Committee, having advanced from his prior role leading the NextGen Future Leaders Committee — an initiative focused on developing the next generation of aviation professionals.

His academic background encompasses Lynchburg College, Liberty University, and most recently complemented by Executive Education in Business Aviation at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

Since 2022, Michael has closed over $100 million in aircraft transactions across six continents, with repeat clients in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States. He was named top producer at Leviate Air Group in 2023. At jetAVIVA, he helped drive a tripling of super-midsize and large-cabin revenue in the firm's record 2025.

His aviation career began in 2012. Before that: over two decades as a Medic/Firefighter, and three years directing the largest ski patrol on the East Coast at Wintergreen Resort — where his team won the NSAA Best Overall Safety Program and he was named a finalist for the NSAA Safety Champion Award, the association's highest individual honor for safety leadership across US ski areas. He still volunteers with the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad and Wintergreen Ski Patrol.

He grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, introduced to flight by his father Tim and a family friend who flew down on weekends to take him up for flights throughout the piedmont. He lives in Crozet, Virginia with his wife of ten years and their two young children. Weekends are beach/lake, Sunday polo at the local vineyard, skiing, t-ball, and family time — depending on the season. Summers lean toward Bald Head Island, Portland, Maine, and the British Virgin Islands.

He publishes PrivateJetBS, a newsletter on buying and selling private jets. Trust the Process, Not the Promises.™