AviationPros Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.