Flightpath with Alok | feat. Donal Lowry & Ian Clark

In episode 9 of Flightpath with Alok, The conversation begins with technical challenges in aircraft leasing and the evolution of the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) role. Donal Lowry and Ian Clark discuss their experiences in legacy and newer leasing companies, highlighting the differences in approach and culture. They also explore the impact of Irish and UK aviation experience on the industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the differences between technical teams in airlines and leasing companies. The conversation covers challenges with the V2500A1 engine, the difference between the airline and lessor world, pressures in management roles, the impact of GTF engines, handling repeat inspection requirements, negotiating solutions for engine issues, remarketing aircraft with engine problems, and resourcing the aviation industry. Attracting and retaining talent in the industry is also discussed. The conversation explores various challenges and trends in the aviation industry. It discusses the availability of choice and income for young professionals, the dependence on government subsidies for smaller airlines, and the challenges of talent retention due to financial pressures. The conversation also highlights the initiatives for training and apprenticeships in the industry. It addresses the difficulties in backfilling the industry with skilled professionals and the trends driving the industry, including sustainability and resilience. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the opportunities that arise during crises and the positive trends in the industry.

About Donal Lowry: https://www.acumen.aero/team-member/20
About Ian Clark: https://www.acumen.aero/team-member/14

Takeaways

• The role of the CTO in aircraft leasing has evolved to include risk assessment, risk management, and customer relationship management.
• Legacy leasing companies often had a tougher approach, while newer leasing companies focused on building relationships and accommodating customer needs.
• The aviation experience in Ireland and the UK has had a significant global impact, with professionals from these regions making a mark in the industry.
• Technical teams in airlines delve deeper into technical details while leasing companies focus more on monitoring and major technical issues.
• The collaboration between airlines and leasing companies has improved over time, leading to smoother lease transitions and better understanding of return conditions. The V2500A1 engine created challenges for operators, leasing companies, and Pratt & Whitney.
• The airline world and the lessor world have different pressures, with the intensity of pressures being higher in the airline role.
• The GTF engine is a bigger problem than the V2500A1 engine, with a significant number of engines needing to be taken off wing.
• Negotiating solutions for engine issues requires tripartite agreements between the OEM, lessor, and lessee.
• The aviation industry faces challenges in attracting and retaining talent, and there is a need for more resources. The aviation industry faces challenges in attracting and retaining talent due to factors such as availability of choice, income, and job stability.
• Government subsidies play a crucial role in sustaining smaller airlines, especially in regions with lower airfares.
• Initiatives for training and apprenticeships are being implemented to address the talent shortage in the industry.
• The industry n