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In this episode, aviation analyst and industry veteran Rob Morris joins the podcast to reflect on his 35-year career spanning British Aerospace, the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), BAE Systems Asset Management, and Cirium.   We dive deep into the cyclical nature of aviation, the realities of supply vs. demand growth, the complex challenges surrounding engine reliability, and why the path to net-zero carbon emissions is aviation’s hardest test yet.   From Enthusiast to Industry Expert: Rob shares how growing up near Heathrow sparked a lifelong passion for aviation, leading from analytical chemistry into a career forecasting iconic programs like the A380 and Bombardier CSeries.   The Reality of Market Cycles: A walk through major industry disruptions—from the first Gulf War and 9/11 to the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19—and why market demand might not bounce back to historical 5% growth rates.   Engine Reliability & Technology Pitfalls: Why early promises around new engine technologies (GTF, LEAP) haven't lived up to initial maintenance expectations compared to legacy workhorses like the CFM56 and V2500.   Decarbonization & Sustainability: Why aviation is one of the hardest industries to decarbonize, the limitations of current technology steps, and the branding vs. policy debate facing airlines today.   China & Comac’s Long Game: A realistic look at the C919, the challenges of building global 24/7/365 support networks, and why breaking into the global duopoly will take decades.   The Future of Fleet Replacement: Why future aircraft deliveries will increasingly shift from growth-driven fleet expansion to replacing aging, fuel-inefficient narrowbodies.

Charles Graham shares his extensive journey through the aviation industry, from early interests inspired by air shows to leading major airline and leasing companies. Discover insights into the evolution of aviation networks, aircraft leasing, and strategic challenges faced by industry leaders.  We discuss the evolution of aircraft leasing, the challenges of aircraft conversions, and the future of freighter capacity amidst market cycles and technological advancements.

Steve Boecker shares his extensive journey in the aviation industry, detailing his early passion for aviation, and reflects on his time at FedEx, Pratt & Whitney, and Delta Airlines.  We discuss various aspects of the aviation engine market, including current trends in lease rates, the reliability of engine types, and the expectations from OEMs regarding engine performance. He emphasizes the importance of managing costs in engine maintenance and the impact of new technologies on the market.  We also touch on the disruptive nature of companies like FTAI in the engine market.

David Chandler and Charles Duncan discuss their backgrounds in aviation and academia, the importance of experience in education, and the innovative approach of the Executive MBA in Aviation program at the University of Colorado Denver. We discuss the significance of an MBA in aviation, the challenges of leadership transitions, and the role of companies in fostering employee development.

What actually happens to an aircraft at the end of its lifecycle, and how do lessors extract maximum value when the market shifts? In this episode, we sit down with David Rushe, President & CEO of Magellan Aviation Group, to pull back the curtain on the aircraft part-out and leasing secondary markets. From navigating the engine maintenance bottleneck to uncovering hidden gems in "tainted" airframes, Dave shares his journey from the west of Ireland to leading a global aviation asset management firm. Whether you are an aircraft investor, lessor, or aviation enthusiast, this episode is packed with macro-level insights into how the aftermarket supply chain is keeping the global fleet flying.

Inside the Wild World of Aircraft Repossessions with Carlos | Season 4 Ep. 6 What happens when an airline goes bust, and someone has to take back a multi-million dollar commercial jet? In this episode, we sit down with aviation legal legend Carlos Sierra to explore the high-stakes, chaotic, and often dangerous world of aircraft leasing and hostile repossessions across Mexico and Latin America. From staring down the Armenian mafia in LA to deploying 80 riot-gear police officers on an active airfield and snatching a Russian Boeing 777 mid-sanctions in a 90-minute race against time—Carlos has done it all. If you think corporate law is just paperwork, think again.

We sit down with Tim Bacchus, Investor Relations Director for Avation, to trace his career journey and the strategic evolution of Avation within the aircraft leasing sector. Tim offers a deep dive into the unique hurdles and opportunities facing the regional and narrowbody markets, highlighting how Avation maintains its competitive edge. Our conversation spans the broader macro landscape—from the volatility of jet fuel prices and the ripple effects of global events to the post-pandemic resilience of lessors. We also tackle the shifting tides of airline consolidation, the long-term outlook for aircraft values, and why the industry remains bullish on the future of turboprops like the ATR.

Steve Williamson of Crestone Air Partners joins us for the most recent podcast to discuss aircraft leasing and investing in the new world of expensive fuel.  We talk mid-life aircraft, the value of engines, and the potential for future markets.

Industry expert John Heimlich shares his 25-year journey through the aviation sector, discussing key challenges like ATC modernization, industry crises, and future outlooks. This episode includes insights into the evolution of airline operations, regulatory hurdles, and the strategic moves shaping the future of aviation.

Ian discusses his roles at SH&E and GECAS, the challenges he faced in consulting, and his transition to Brigade Capital where he learned about aircraft leasing and finance. He also delves into the helicopter leasing market, the establishment of Waypoint, and the impact of fluctuating oil prices on the industry. The discussion concludes with insights on the grounding of the EC-225 and its implications for investors. In this conversation, Ian discusses the complexities of the aviation industry, particularly focusing on aircraft groundings, risk management, and the dynamics of the helicopter market.  He shares insights on the founding of Avian, a company aimed at providing capital solutions around inventory in aviation. The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape of aviation financing, the importance of building relationships, and the challenges of educating the market about innovative inventory solutions. Ian reflects on his journey and the future direction of Avian, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic thinking in a rapidly changing industry.

Steve Hennigan shares his evolution from a pilot to a leader in airport operations. He pulls back the curtain on the complexities of managing hubs like Denver, Houston, and RSW—discussing everything from engineering runways for the Boeing 777X and navigating complex financial strategies to weathering hurricanes and planning for the future of travel.  Steve recounts his journey from flying for FedEx and United to overseeing major airport operations. This episode dives into the business side of aviation, covering the strategic planning required for future infrastructure, the financial intricacies of bond refinancing and FAA funding, and the daily challenges of balancing market demands at RSW and Pagefield. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how airports manage growth, natural disasters, and the passenger experience.

Aaron Prothero shares his journey into the aviation industry, influenced by his family's background.   Aaron discusses Aerolease's unique investment approach in aviation and in other alternative assets. We discuss the competitive landscape of trading in aviation, particularly focusing on the A330 market. Aaron shares insights on investment strategies, the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry, and the resurgence of the A330-300 as a viable aircraft.  The episode also covers challenges in maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), the future of widebody aircraft, and the evolving cargo market. Prothero emphasizes the importance of luck, strategic timing, and controlling feedstock in navigating the complexities of the aviation market.

Jeremy Barnes shares his unconventional journey from banking to aviation, emphasizing the importance of analytical thinking and strategic partnerships in the aircraft leasing industry. He discusses the challenges faced during the early 90s, the evolution of Falko, and the significance of building relationships in the regional aviation market.  Jeremy also highlights misconceptions about regional aviation and the need for a better understanding and valuation of the sector. In this conversation, Jeremy discusses the complexities and challenges of the regional aircraft market, including managing engine lifecycles, pursuing strategic acquisitions, and understanding customer needs. He emphasizes the significance of disciplined growth and the challenges of capital deployment in the aviation industry. The discussion also touches on the future of firefighting aircraft and the finite nature of regional aircraft production, highlighting the economic realities of developing new aircraft.

Gary Weissel shares his extensive journey in the aviation industry, detailing his transition from aspiring doctor to aerospace engineer, his significant tenure at Delta Air Lines, and his eventual move into consulting and founding Tronos. He discusses the challenges and experiences he faced in various roles, including asset management and working with VIP aircraft, providing insights into the complexities of the aviation sector.  Gary delves into the intricacies of aircraft completion centers, the artistry involved in VIP aircraft interiors, and the challenges of valuing these high-end modifications. We discuss innovations in aerial firefighting aircraft and the training of new engineers in the aviation industry. The conversation also touches on the complexities of navigating supply chain issues and certification processes in aircraft manufacturing. The complexities and challenges faced in the aviation industry, particularly focusing on regulatory compliance, certification processes, and the current supply chain issues, are also discussed. Gary highlights the importance of navigating regulatory challenges, the intricacies of compliance walks, and the impact of engineering bottlenecks on production capacity.  Weissel also addresses the critical role of data access in retrofitting aircraft and the ongoing challenges in the supply chain, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to overcome these obstacles. We discuss the significant challenges faced in the aviation industry, particularly regarding layoffs and their impact on knowledge retention, the delivery strategies of Airbus and Boeing, the complexities of freighter conversions, and the unique challenges posed by modifying carbon fiber fuselages.

Subodh Karnik shares his extensive career journey in the aviation industry, detailing his experiences from being a management consultant to working with major airlines like Northwest, Continental, and Delta. He discusses the impact of antitrust immunity on airline partnerships, the challenges faced by Caribbean airlines like Air Jamaica, and the emergence of new players like Arojet. The conversation also touches on the effects of 9/11 on Delta Airlines and the evolving landscape of low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines. In this conversation, Courtney Miller and Subodh Karnik delve into the evolving landscape of the airline industry post-COVID, discussing the dynamics of low-cost carriers, market disruptions, and the impact of geopolitical events. They explore the future of airline business models, the role of loyalty programs, and the economic challenges facing airlines today. The discussion highlights the need for innovation in airline operations and the potential for disruption in loyalty programs as the industry adapts to changing consumer behaviors and economic conditions.