What advice would you give to someone who was negatively impacted by the last few years and has “lost faith” in the business aviation sector?

The past few years have been a rollercoaster for our industry, there is little doubt about that. The pandemic cost business aviation many excellent professionals, and that loss can still be seen in manpower shortages around the world.

However, if there is anything the post-COVID world teaches us it is that business aviation has a central role in the future of sustainable transport, as well as the future of economic growth at large. Not only is it an industry that never stops progressing, but it is also one that dedicates itself to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Indeed, business aviation is a hotbed for sustainability-related innovations and the creation of greener technologies. Companies are exploring measures such as electric flights, hydrogen-powered aircraft, and the conscious adoption of more sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint.

So, if anyone has lost faith in the sector, I would encourage them to look at the current markets – many of which are doing better than they were three years ago, look at the environmental commitments being made, and finally, look at the innovation that is marking the sector as one of the most progressive out there. 

UAS recently partnered with IBAC with a shared vision to improve standards in the industry, what are some of the key objectives / milestones you’re working towards?

Uniting our mutual knowledge and influence is vital to the sustained growth of our industry, particularly at times when it is misunderstood and under attack in some quarters. It is our duty to unite as an industry to strengthen our voice and advocate for the conditions required to simplify global operations in order to support supply chains and grow economies.

UAS’ recent partnership with IBAC provides us with the opportunity to assist it in shaping standards before they are adopted and applied as regulations by CAAs in their sovereign countries. And our knowledge and experience of global operational challenges and opportunities afford us excellent insight to share.

We will also be exploring objectives related to aviation sustainability and how we can be a greener industry going forward.  

You’re well known for your ability to recognise and respond to industry trends. What are your reflections on the industry in 2023 and your thoughts on 2024?

During the first quarter of 2023, global demand was growing steadily in all regions. I think we are experiencing a plateau of sorts now, with certain markets business jet activity up and some down slightly.

For the U.S. and European markets, I see this as a natural levelling off from the unprecedented post-pandemic demand that will result in a return to slower, steadier growth throughout 2024. I think the Middle East market will be the same.

As demand continues to rise in Asia Pacific, we are reminded that not only is this region booming economically, but it is also still experiencing the effects of China’s reopening earlier this year. I’m certain that the Asia-Pacific charter jet services market will see at least single digit annual growth over the coming few years.

As a leader, how do you ensure your corporate values are applied in practice across the company?

I think in any organization, it is a leader’s role to demonstrate the corporate values he/she sets for the team.

At UAS, those values are a commitment to operational excellence and innovation, personal accountability, a positive attitude, and a client-centric mindset. These are pretty much my personal values also, and if they were not, it wouldn’t work for UAS. For me, integrity is everything, in life and in business. Being guided by our values and acting in congruence with them is inspiring and infectious to those around you.

Recently, we established a new role at UAS that we ask all the team to embody; that of CHO (Chief Heart Officer). This means always considering each other’s wellbeing and exercising more empathy in action to truly support and elevate each other.

Further to this, the UAS Code of Conduct informs employees of the standards expected of them and provides a guide for all professional conduct. This is how we maintain a strong company culture that reinforces our corporate values.