Time on Wing Podcast

In this episode, aviation analyst and industry veteran Rob Morris joins the podcast to reflect on his 35-year career spanning British Aerospace, the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), BAE Systems Asset Management, and Cirium.  

We dive deep into the cyclical nature of aviation, the realities of supply vs. demand growth, the complex challenges surrounding engine reliability, and why the path to net-zero carbon emissions is aviation’s hardest test yet.  

From Enthusiast to Industry Expert: Rob shares how growing up near Heathrow sparked a lifelong passion for aviation, leading from analytical chemistry into a career forecasting iconic programs like the A380 and Bombardier CSeries.  

The Reality of Market Cycles: A walk through major industry disruptions—from the first Gulf War and 9/11 to the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19—and why market demand might not bounce back to historical 5% growth rates.  

Engine Reliability & Technology Pitfalls: Why early promises around new engine technologies (GTF, LEAP) haven't lived up to initial maintenance expectations compared to legacy workhorses like the CFM56 and V2500.  

Decarbonization & Sustainability: Why aviation is one of the hardest industries to decarbonize, the limitations of current technology steps, and the branding vs. policy debate facing airlines today.  

China & Comac’s Long Game: A realistic look at the C919, the challenges of building global 24/7/365 support networks, and why breaking into the global duopoly will take decades.  

The Future of Fleet Replacement: Why future aircraft deliveries will increasingly shift from growth-driven fleet expansion to replacing aging, fuel-inefficient narrowbodies.

Charles Graham shares his extensive journey through the aviation industry, from early interests inspired by air shows to leading major airline and leasing companies. Discover insights into the evolution of aviation networks, aircraft leasing, and strategic challenges faced by industry leaders.  We discuss the evolution of aircraft leasing, the challenges of aircraft conversions, and the future of freighter capacity amidst market cycles and technological advancements.

Steve Boecker shares his extensive journey in the aviation industry, detailing his early passion for aviation, and reflects on his time at FedEx, Pratt & Whitney, and Delta Airlines.  We discuss various aspects of the aviation engine market, including current trends in lease rates, the reliability of engine types, and the expectations from OEMs regarding engine performance. He emphasizes the importance of managing costs in engine maintenance and the impact of new technologies on the market.  We also touch on the disruptive nature of companies like FTAI in the engine market.

David Chandler and Charles Duncan discuss their backgrounds in aviation and academia, the importance of experience in education, and the innovative approach of the Executive MBA in Aviation program at the University of Colorado Denver.

We discuss the significance of an MBA in aviation, the challenges of leadership transitions, and the role of companies in fostering employee development.

What actually happens to an aircraft at the end of its lifecycle, and how do lessors extract maximum value when the market shifts?

In this episode, we sit down with David Rushe, President & CEO of Magellan Aviation Group, to pull back the curtain on the aircraft part-out and leasing secondary markets. From navigating the engine maintenance bottleneck to uncovering hidden gems in "tainted" airframes, Dave shares his journey from the west of Ireland to leading a global aviation asset management firm.

Whether you are an aircraft investor, lessor, or aviation enthusiast, this episode is packed with macro-level insights into how the aftermarket supply chain is keeping the global fleet flying.

Inside the Wild World of Aircraft Repossessions with Carlos | Season 4 Ep. 6

What happens when an airline goes bust, and someone has to take back a multi-million dollar commercial jet? In this episode, we sit down with aviation legal legend Carlos Sierra to explore the high-stakes, chaotic, and often dangerous world of aircraft leasing and hostile repossessions across Mexico and Latin America.

From staring down the Armenian mafia in LA to deploying 80 riot-gear police officers on an active airfield and snatching a Russian Boeing 777 mid-sanctions in a 90-minute race against time—Carlos has done it all. If you think corporate law is just paperwork, think again.

We sit down with Tim Bacchus, Investor Relations Director for Avation, to trace his career journey and the strategic evolution of Avation within the aircraft leasing sector. Tim offers a deep dive into the unique hurdles and opportunities facing the regional and narrowbody markets, highlighting how Avation maintains its competitive edge. Our conversation spans the broader macro landscape—from the volatility of jet fuel prices and the ripple effects of global events to the post-pandemic resilience of lessors. We also tackle the shifting tides of airline consolidation, the long-term outlook for aircraft values, and why the industry remains bullish on the future of turboprops like the ATR.

Steve Williamson of Crestone Air Partners joins us for the most recent podcast to discuss aircraft leasing and investing in the new world of expensive fuel.  We talk mid-life aircraft, the value of engines, and the potential for future markets.

Industry expert John Heimlich shares his 25-year journey through the aviation sector, discussing key challenges like ATC modernization, industry crises, and future outlooks. This episode includes insights into the evolution of airline operations, regulatory hurdles, and the strategic moves shaping the future of aviation.

Ian discusses his roles at SH&E and GECAS, the challenges he faced in consulting, and his transition to Brigade Capital where he learned about aircraft leasing and finance. He also delves into the helicopter leasing market, the establishment of Waypoint, and the impact of fluctuating oil prices on the industry. The discussion concludes with insights on the grounding of the EC-225 and its implications for investors. In this conversation, Ian discusses the complexities of the aviation industry, particularly focusing on aircraft groundings, risk management, and the dynamics of the helicopter market. 

He shares insights on the founding of Avian, a company aimed at providing capital solutions around inventory in aviation. The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape of aviation financing, the importance of building relationships, and the challenges of educating the market about innovative inventory solutions. Ian reflects on his journey and the future direction of Avian, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic thinking in a rapidly changing industry.