AviationPros Podcast

AviationPros

The AviationPros Podcast features the leading minds across the aviation industry discussing the most pressing issues facing all facet of air travel. Each episode highlights best practices and innovation ranging from airport operations, ground support processes, business and general aviation trends, and MRO/maintenance facility optimization. The podcast series is produced jointly by Airport Business magazine, Aircraft Maintenance Technology and Ground Support Worldwide, which are all members of Endeavor Business Media’s Aviation Group.

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20 episodes
Updated July 14

Episodes20

Newest first

July 14 · 23 min
How Real-Time Visibility Is Transforming Airport Operations
In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier speaks with Michael Bettua, CEO and co-founder of Volan Technology, and Ramsey Nuwar, vice president of airports and aviation, about how live location data is improving safety, reducing operational complexity and supporting faster decision-making across airport environments. The discussion also explores where technologies such as AI, digital twins and connected airport systems are headed next.
July 10 · 15 min
Alfredo Garcia on How to Embrace Mentorship and Find the Right Fit in Aviation Maintenance
In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, we speak with Alfredo Garcia, director of sales and business development at ACI Jet, about career development in aircraft maintenance. A champion of mentorship for AMTs at all levels, Garcia discusses how learning from others and trying new things helps technicians find their passions and support each other along the way. Highlighting how all generations of maintenance professionals can support each other and the aviation industry through actions like reverse mentorship, Garcia also shares how ACI Jet supports AMTs and works to maintain a dedicated, skilled workforce who truly loves what they do.
June 26 · 26 min
Dr. Viral Shah of JuliaHub on How Dyad 3.0 Simplifies Aircraft Design, Engineering and Maintenance with Agentic AI
JuliaHub Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Viral Shah is sharing how JuliaHub and solutions like Dyad 3.0 offer unique AI-powered solutions specifically designed to make industrial and highly technical modeling work simpler. Already used by organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), these agentic AI solutions offer low-cost ways for engineers to optimize workflows and enhance aviation safety. In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, Shah discusses how Dyad 3.0 is revolutionizing the process of aircraft design, along with key applications for enabling predictive maintenance and demonstrations that showcase aerospace applications. He also explains how the Julia programming language—and JuliaHub—came to fruition, highlighting the ways innovation can come to life with dedication and teamwork.
June 25 · 31 min
From Compliance to Readiness: Rethinking Ground Handling Training
Ground handling has always been a high-pressure environment, but today's airports are operating with greater traffic volumes, leaner workforces and increasingly complex operations than ever before. At the same time, the industry continues to grapple with costly ground damage, communication breakdowns and the challenge of bringing new employees up to speed quickly. In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier speaks with Robert Boroch, general manager of ETC-PZL Aerospace, about the company's vision for moving "from compliance to readiness." Their discussion explores how simulation-based training, virtual reality and team-based exercises could help airports improve safety, accelerate onboarding and better prepare ramp personnel for situations that are difficult - or impossible - to recreate during traditional training.
June 16 · 17 min
Erin O'Donnell on Building HiSERV North America
Erin O'Donnell has spent nearly four decades in aviation, from her first internship at Chicago Midway Airport to leading one of the industry's newest ground support equipment leasing ventures. In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, O'Donnell discusses HiSERV's recent expansion into North America, the growing role of leasing and pooling models, the challenges surrounding electrification and how data-driven fleet management is reshaping ramp operations.
June 12 · 22 min
How Unexpected Career Paths Lead to Industry Leadership for Women in Aviation
This episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast features Elisabeth Dickinson and Lindsay Parrott, two franchise owners with RealClean Aircraft Detailing. Elisabeth and Lindsay share how their unique backgrounds brought them to their current leadership roles at an aviation services company, from developing key skills in different fields to falling in love with the aviation community. As women in high-level leadership roles at an aviation services company, Elisabeth and Lindsay also give insight into how women can succeed and thrive in aviation and how companies in the industry can work toward closing the gender gap in the workforce.
June 4 · 27 min
Building Scalable Charging Infrastructure for eGSE Fleets
As airports accelerate the shift to electric ground support equipment, charging infrastructure is emerging as one of the biggest challenges. In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, Damien O'Regan, Product Strategy Lead at Enatel, discusses how operators can plan for power constraints, manage mixed fleets, avoid costly infrastructure mistakes, and build charging networks that can scale alongside electrification efforts. From charger standardization and energy storage to long-term fleet planning, O'Regan shares practical insights for airports navigating the next phase of eGSE adoption.
May 29 · 35 min
Rob Mather of IFS on Persisting 2026 Aviation Trends: From Cybersecurity to Space Travel
In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, we’re joined by Rob Mather, Vice President of Aerospace and Defense Industries at IFS. Having shared his 2026 Commercial Aerospace Outlook earlier in the year, Rob takes time to dive deeper into his insights and explain how new technological developments can help MROs reach new levels of success. From the differences between industrial AI and generative AI to the ways MROs can get ahead by prepping for eventual work on spacecraft, these innovations show how technology can help aviation organizations stay resilient in times of change.
May 22 · 46 min
Ed Freni Reflects on Leading Boston Logan Through Decades of Change
In this episode, Ed Freni looks back on a decades-long career in aviation leadership, discussing how crisis, growth, and collaboration defined his approach to running Boston Logan and what the next generation of airport leaders needs to get right.
May 15 · 22 min
Paul T. Glessner, John Goglia, General Lloyd Newton and Izzy Lozada on How to Build a Lasting, Impactful Career in Aviation
In the world of aviation, there are countless ways to make a difference and build a long, satisfying career. Whether you want to fix airplanes as an aircraft mechanic or delve into the business side of aerospace, opportunities are waiting in every corner of the airport and repair shop. To share expertise and insights on the aviation workforce, this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast features four professionals from different areas of the industry: Paul T. Glessner: Founder and CEO of Executive Jet Support Services (EJSS) John Goglia: Aviation safety expert and mechanic, former NTSB board member General Lloyd “Fig” Newton: Retired four-star USAF general and Thunderbirds pilot Izzy Lozada: Founder & CEO of Choice Jet Group Corporation and finance expert Combining perspectives from maintenance and engineering operations, the United States Air Force and Wall Street, this panel shares valuable reflections on how to get into the aviation industry and stay there.
May 8 · 23 min
Designing for Every Passenger: Rethinking the Airport Through Behavior
In this episode, Landrum & Brown Executive Vice President Joe Barden outlines four core passenger personas—Sprinter, Camper, Roamer and Explorer—and explains how understanding traveler behavior is becoming critical to terminal planning.
April 29 · 23 min
Octave’s Nick Karakulko on Connecting the Ramp Through Real-Time Data
In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, Octave’s Nick Karakulko discusses the company’s upcoming launch as a standalone software business and its vision for connecting airport stakeholders through real-time digital twin technology. Karakulko explains how integrating data across design, build, operate and protect phases can help eliminate operational gaps that impact ramp safety and efficiency. From telematics and LiDAR-enabled foreign object detection to live asset tracking and collision alerts, he outlines how these tools could translate into more informed decision-making for ground handlers while creating a shared operational picture across the airport environment.
April 24 · 17 min
Raphael Haddad on How Engine Scarcity Impacts the Aviation Industry Amid Uncertainty
This episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast features Raphael Haddad, president of Jetcraft Commercial, discussing engine scarcity in the aviation industry and how it goes hand-in-hand with aircraft procurement and delivery delays. From impacts on aircraft value and procurement to OEM struggles, Raphael shares insights on what’s causing engine scarcity and how aircraft procurement is affected by uncertainty and geopolitical conflicts.
April 17 · 26 min
How Airports Can Future-Proof Billion-Dollar Capital Programs
In this episode, Gaël Le Bris of WSP discusses how airport leaders can incorporate flexibility into infrastructure design, manage evolving risks tied to technology and climate, and rethink governance and delivery models to keep major projects on track.
April 10 · 33 min
Joey Smith on Growth and Heightened M&A Activity in the Global MRO Market
The aviation maintenance sector has seen rapid growth in demand in recent years. From aging fleets to parts and labor shortages, there are several factors contributing to this rising demand, and many ways MROs can respond. On this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, we speak with Joey Smith, aviation director at Cassel Salpeter & Co., about what’s driving growth in the global MRO market and how maintenance organizations can take advantage of the opportunities available, with a special focus on mergers and acquisitions.
April 2 · 19 min
New Approach Targets Key Barrier To Wider SAF Use
In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier speaks with Alexei Beltyukov, CEO of Unifuel, about a potential breakthrough in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Beltyukov explains how Unifuel’s Flexiforming technology converts low-value byproducts into critical fuel components, helping SAF move closer to a true drop-in replacement for conventional jet fuel. The discussion explores what this means for fuel logistics, infrastructure, and ground operations, as well as the economic realities shaping SAF adoption. The conversation offers a practical look at how emerging fuel technologies could impact day-to-day operations across the aviation industry.
March 27 · 45 min
How Airports Can Unlock New Revenue Streams to Fund the Next Generation of Infrastructure
In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, Joe Petrie speaks with Carlos Ozores, partner at PA Consulting and leader of the firm’s U.S. aviation practice, about how airports can develop new revenue sources to help close the funding gap.
March 20 · 32 min
What’s New? Marcel Leon de Paz on Innovation and Modernization at MTU Maintenance
There’s a lot going on at MTU Maintenance, from new service expansions and smart tools to unique sustainability practices. In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, Marcel Leon de Paz—VP of Programs and Sales at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg—shares insight on modernization in aviation maintenance and in MTU’s operations. Listen to learn more about MTU Intelligent Solutions and other key innovations that align with developments in the aviation industry, like AI-powered technology and workforce development programs.
March 3 · 17 min
Grupo EULEN USA CEO Maria Fernandez de Cordoba on Growth, Technology and Frontline Leadership
In this episode of the AviationPros podcast, Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier talks with Maria Fernandez de Cordoba, CEO of Grupo EULEN USA, about the competitive realities of the U.S. ground handling sector. She explains how the company is investing in advanced workforce planning and software to better manage irregular operations and support airline on-time performance. Fernandez de Cordoba highlights the importance of frontline leadership in improving workforce recruitment and retention, emphasizing leadership development, cross-training and educational partnerships as core strategies.
February 27 · 14 min
Dustin Zeitler on How Franchising and Specialized Services Set RealClean Up for Success
In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, Dustin Zeitler, co-owner of RealClean Aircraft Detailing shares an inside look at his company’s operations and the ways franchising has improved services for the company and for customers. Zeitler gives insight into the value of specialized services in aircraft cleaning and detailing and the benefits of franchising for aircraft detailing and maintenance companies. He also offers advice to new professionals who want to pursue a career in aircraft detailing and seasoned aviation experts who might be considering a career transition.