AviationPros Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.