Finland topped the world rankings for being the happiest place on earth for the eighth year running in 2025, so what’s it like to live and work there in the country’s flourishing aviation sector? ABNcast finds out by talking to Harri Ojala, Chief Executive of Business Tampere, about the region’s focus on the aviation sector, and also its expertise in technology and innovation due to its historic connections with Finnish telecommunications company Nokia.

At our PAM Europe, Dublin conference 2025, Lee Hayhurst catches up with:

• Stephen Rayner, PM Senior technical Engineer, British Airways
• Honor Powrie, Snr Director of Data Analytics, GE Aerospace
• Cameron Byrd, CEO & Founder, AIXI Inc.

Together, they explored the latest breakthroughs in predictive maintenance—from smarter data insights to more efficient fleet operations.

At our PAM Europe, Dublin conference 2025, Lee Hayhurst catches up with:

• Darren Macer, Principle Senior Technical Fellow, Maintenance Strategy and Vision, Boeing
• Jeff Smith, Head of Digital Product Programs, Parker Aerospace
• Pascal Parant, Group Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Vallair

Together, they explored the latest breakthroughs in predictive maintenance—from smarter data insights to more efficient fleet operations.

At our PAM Europe, Dublin conference in October 2025, Lee Hayhurst caught up with:

1. Craig Lynch, Predictive Aircraft Maintenance at Easy
2. Aude Fagour, Predictive Aircraft Engineer, Air France/KLM
3. Conor O'Brien, Technical Director, EirTrade Aviation

Together, they explored the latest breakthroughs in predictive maintenance—from smarter data insights to more efficient fleet operations. They also reflected on the encouraging rise of women entering engineering, and what it means for the future of aviation.

A new global player in the aircraft engineering and MRO sector has emerged with the divestment of Drayton Aerospace's non-Chinese interests. In this episode of ABNcast ABN's Lee Hayhurst speaks to founder and experienced aviation professional Hussein Lookmanjee about his ambitions for DTX, key trends he sees in the sector, the ongoing challenge for people and skills, and why he still gets excited about working in aviation.

Joey Smith, director of aviation services at investment banking firm Cassel Salpeter spoke to ABN editorial director Lee Hayhurst in this latest edition of ABNcast about a report the firm has published looking at the impact that Artificial Intelligence is having on the sector. He also expresses his concerns about the looming threat of US tariffs by the Trump administration on prospects for the industry.

The latest episode of ABNcast focuses on pilot and cabin crew recruitment with AAP's head of human resources Stine Berg. She tells ABN's Lee Hayhurst how the market for new recruits is changing, as is how people feel about roles in aviation, and what the sector must do to adapt to ensure it has the talent to thrive in the future. The edition airs as registrations close for this year's ABN Best Places To Work In Aviation awards.

Airchair was developed in 2007 to help airlines match a key regulatory and social requirement to a passenger’s needs.

Lee Hayhurst sits down with Sarah McOnie to discuss the origins of the family business, the changing regulatory environment in this area, and their AirChair product which focuses on efficiency and passenger comfort.

On a visit to the Wayfinding Centre Dublin, Lee Hayhurst sat down with Frank O’Hagan, head of marketing at Altavair, Chris White, chief executive at Vision Ireland and Ken Fitzgibbon, chief executive at EirTrade Aviation to discuss how Wayfinding provides innovative and sustainable solutions for transport and mobility challenges experienced by people with a disability.

At Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Deutsche Aircraft announced the unveiling of the first fuselage cut for the inaugural test aircraft for the D328eco™ programme. The Farnborough International Airshow began on a momentous note for Deutsche Aircraft, as the OEM announced the initiation of the first fuselage cut for the D328eco test aircraft. This significant milestone sets the stage for the test aircraft's maiden flight. With over 95% of suppliers already onboard, the D328eco programme has made remarkable progress over the past four years.

Lee Hayhurst caught up with Deutsche Aircraft's VP of Sales and Marketing, Anastasija Visnakova, to discuss this new eco friendly aircraft, the multi-role capabilities, challenges bringing it to market and the on-going push for talent within the OEM sector.