Senator Andy Billig is the Majority Leader in the Washington State Senate. In this episode, Sen. Billig discusses why Washington is home to so many world-leading aviation businesses. As a politician heavily involved in the development sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policy, Sen. Billig sets out the state and federal-level policies designed to create a domestic SAF industry in the US and what impact the forthcoming US election may have on those policies going forward.
Morgan Foulkes is the Deputy Director General of Airports Council International (ACI) Europe.In this episode, Morgan provides an insight into the changes that are occurring in the European aviation market. He explains why some European countries are growing well beyond their pre-pandemic passenger volumes, whilst others are struggling to get back to where they were in 2019. We explore the structural changes in the European aviation market that have occurred since the pandemic, notably the strong growth of low-cost and ultra-low cost carriers. And Morgan offers his predictions for what will happen to airline ticket prices, the future of the European Single Aviation Market, and lots more.
Clive Wratten is the CEO of the Business Travel Association.This episode explores the latest trends in UK business travel since the pandemic, with some surprising findings. Clive explains why video conferencing (such as MS Teams and Zoom) is no substitute for in-person engagement, and shares some of the unique stories of businesses and NGOs who could not operate without aviation and international travel.
Dave Fielding is a Captain for British Airways and Chair of the International Peer Assist Aviation Coalition.Dave highlights some pretty stark facts in this interview. For instance, what do you think is the second highest cause of fatality in western registered aircraft? It's pilot murder suicide. In this episode we discuss how the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 changed the nature of how pilot mental health is approached, the need for harmonized aviation mental health and medical regulations worldwide, and initiatives which Dave has led to make the sector safer and more supportive.
Henry Smith has been a UK Member of Parliament for 14 years and a political champion for aviation.This episode explores the link between aviation and politics. We talked about some of the campaigns he's led, such as trying to have a fairer tax on flying; whether the UK Government went too far with Covid travel restrictions; and as we enter an era of a new government in the UK, what his fears and ideas are for the new administration.
Cath O'Brien is the Executive Director of the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand.In this episode, Cath describes what it was like overseeing Air New Zealand's regulatory affairs function during the COVID-19 pandemic and border closures (New Zealand had one of the strictest lockdowns in the world); the challenges of engaging policymakers on aviation; airport pricing; and whether there is a lack of competition in New Zealand's domestic aviation market.
I am excited to bring you an episode with a celebrity-like figure of the online aviation community: Mohammad Taher (otherwise known as Mo T or The Airport Guy).From graduate engineer to building a following of over half a million online, Mo continues to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.In this episode, we explore Mo's career journey to date, including some of the challenges he has faced; advice he has for younger people and those looking to share their passion online; and some of his most memorable experiences, such as meeting Sir Richard Branson whilst flying on the world's first 100% SAF flight from London to New York.