Michael Jones is the Group CEO of Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA). ELA owns and operates the Australian Space Centre™ – Cape York – a world-class, commercial spaceport the NewSpace launch vehicle market, located at 12o South of the equator.
An experimental test pilot and experienced businessman with background in Investment Banking, Aerospace and Professional Sport, Michael has over 30 years’ experience holding numerous C-Suite roles including CEO of Raytheon Australia. Michael is the Founder and ex-Chairman and CEO of REX Airlines. Michael has also held senior advisory and technical appointments with Boeing, Airbus, IPTN/CASA and Alenia Aeronautica.

A highly distinguished graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon and Empire Test Pilots’ School UK, Michael is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and a member of Financial Services Institute of Australasia.

At ELA, Michael has overseen significant growth of the company including spaceport development and construction, gaining a Launch Facilities Licence and Launch Permits from the Australian Space Agency for three launches with NASA in 2022, and completing Series A and B capital raises. Under Michael’s leadership, ELA is developing its spaceport into a multi-user, high-cadence commercial launch facility.