In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with aviation strategist and airport transformation expert Gloria Bouillon, CEO of Aviatrix Advisors. From her beginnings as an “airport rat” to leading major airport turnarounds and advising on advanced air mobility (AAM), Gloria shares a powerful perspective on infrastructure, regulation, and the future of flight. She delves into the challenges and opportunities small airports face, the practicalities of community engagement, the evolving landscape of regional and urban air mobility, and the significance of initiatives like the upcoming Pulitzer Electric Air Race. This conversation is a masterclass in how the aviation industry can innovate responsibly, sustainably, and inclusively.

[00:00:00] Community engagement surprises from early airport projects
[00:01:35] Gloria’s diverse aviation background and founding of Aviatrix Advisors
[00:03:20] Lying about her age to afford flight lessons and her early career path
[00:04:44] Working at Aspen Airport and involvement in a $200M project
[00:08:35] Economic planning and sustainability for struggling airports
[00:11:07] Taking leadership at two airports in crisis
[00:15:40] Key decisions that led to a 40% increase in airport operations
[00:19:14] Mistakes OEMs make with community engagement and strategy
[00:20:50] Favorable regions for OEMs to consider, like the Midwest
[00:22:36] The vision and logistics behind the Pulitzer Electric Air Race
[00:27:23] Urban air mobility challenges and public perception
[00:29:45] Regional vs. urban air mobility explained
[00:32:53] Observations on OEM success and failure patterns
[00:35:00] The role of SAF, hybrids, and adaptive strategies in sustainability
[00:40:12] Innovations needed to accelerate the AAM industry
[00:43:24] Stakeholder engagement as a major challenge for adoption
[00:47:01] Why the Pulitzer Air Race is key for public education
[00:48:36] Final advice: focus, community building, and securing paying customers

Gloria Bouillon is the founder and CEO of Aviatrice Advisors, a firm specializing in regulatory strategy, airport growth planning, and AAM readiness. With experience as an airport director, aviation insurance executive, pilot, and consultant, Gloria has helped turn around struggling airports, develop renewable energy projects, and advocate for sustainable air mobility. She currently serves as Community Integration Director at the Advanced Air Mobility Institute and advises on aviation sustainability, smart cities, and infrastructure development.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-bouillon-a-a-e-ace-8720928b/

Aviatrix Advisors is a strategic aviation consultancy founded by Gloria Bouillon, specializing in regulatory navigation, infrastructure development, and growth planning for the evolving aerospace ecosystem. The firm works closely with airports, OEMs, municipalities, and advanced air mobility (AAM) stakeholders to build sustainable, community-integrated aviation solutions. Leveraging Gloria’s extensive experience in airport management, public-private partnerships, and policy advising, Aviatrix Advisors helps clients unlock new opportunities, drive operational resilience, and align innovation with practical implementation in the aviation sector.

“You have to present it, discuss it, answer questions… sometimes it can take years.”
– On stakeholder engagement and airport planning

“Don’t spread yourself too thin. Try to gain the confidence of one or two paying customers. That can be everything.”
– On strategic focus for startups

“Just because you’re ready doesn’t mean the city or regulatory body is.”
– On the pace of tech vs. government processes

“It's not about being the first. It's about staying in the game the longest.”
– On startup longevity in aerospace

“Even people who are against airport operations come out to the airshows. That’s powerful.”
– On community events and public perception