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THE SUPPORT TEAM
MIGUEL SALAS
Team Support & Coordination
Miguel was born in Reus, Catalonia, and has spent most of his life in Madrid, Spain. With over 20,000 flight hours, he is a key team supporter, working closely with the Chief Pilot.
He began his flying career as a military pilot before transitioning to commercial aviation with Iberia. As a Captain, he flew the Airbus A320, A330, A340, and A350, and was qualified as both an instructor and examiner on each of these aircraft.
Miguel is an accomplished aerobatic, airshow, and racing pilot, having flown the Yak-52 since 2004. Over the years, he has taken part in numerous aerobatic and racing competitions, including the Copa Triangular, CEVA, and various Air Races.
Passionate about vintage aviation, Miguel is also a member of the prestigious Infante de Orleans Foundation, a flying museum based at Madrid–Cuatro Vientos. There, he regularly flies historic aircraft, including the Polikarpov Po-2, a Soviet biplane rebuilt in 1956.
STEPHANE COTTRELL
Team Support & Logistics
Stephane’s connection with the team dates back many years, but it was at the end of 2023 that he officially joined the YAKSTARS.
An architect by profession, Stephane developed a strong passion for motorsport from a very young age, competing as a gentleman driver in numerous motorcycle and car racing events, including endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Barcelona and Spa.
His adventurous spirit eventually led him to aviation, where he obtained his private pilot license and fully immersed himself in the world of sport aviation. He currently flies the Yak-18T, a versatile aircraft well suited for both touring and aerobatic training.
Within the YAKSTARS team, Stephane plays a key role in logistics, coordination, and operational support, contributing to the preparation and execution of airshows.
In his professional life, Stephane is a partner, owner, and founder of an architecture studio based in Madrid and Paris. The firm has been delivering public and private construction projects worldwide for decades—including, fittingly, work related to airport infrastructure.
Thanks to his leadership, vision, and strong team spirit, Stephane is an essential pillar in the daily operations and ongoing development of the YAKSTARS.
IVAN "IVICH" REY
Narrator, Public Relations and Social Media
From Madrid, Spain, “Ivich” has been with the team since 2017, serving as the team’s narrator and as one of its public relations and social media managers, working closely with Fabiana.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast, he was strongly influenced by his father, a former Spanish Air Force F-4C Phantom fighter pilot. Ivich began flying gliders at the age of 16 and has been involved in aviation ever since. He has held a pilot license since 2004.
In his professional life, Ivich is a successful senior IT consultant.
FABIANA
Public Relations and Social Media
From Palmela, Portugal, Fabiana is the latest addition to the team’s lineup. She caught the flying bug at an early age and has been following the team for several years, attending as many airshows as possible.
Fabiana holds a master’s degree in architecture, and in her daily life she is an airline pilot flying Airbus A320 family aircraft. She is also type-rated on the Boeing 737 NG/MAX. Now taking her first steps into the world of aerobatics and formation flying, she has already developed a passion for looping and rolling the Yak!
Together with Ivich, she manages the team’s public relations and social media. She also supports the team in a variety of ways, from logistics and aircraft parking to filing flight plans and more.
