AviationPros Podcast

The aviation maintenance sector has seen rapid growth in demand in recent years. From aging fleets to parts and labor shortages, there are several factors contributing to this rising demand, and many ways MROs can respond. On this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, we speak with Joey Smith, aviation director at Cassel Salpeter & Co., about what’s driving growth in the global MRO market and how maintenance organizations can take advantage of the opportunities available, with a special focus on mergers and acquisitions.

In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier speaks with Alexei Beltyukov, CEO of Unifuel, about a potential breakthrough in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Beltyukov explains how Unifuel’s Flexiforming technology converts low-value byproducts into critical fuel components, helping SAF move closer to a true drop-in replacement for conventional jet fuel. The discussion explores what this means for fuel logistics, infrastructure, and ground operations, as well as the economic realities shaping SAF adoption. The conversation offers a practical look at how emerging fuel technologies could impact day-to-day operations across the aviation industry.

In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, Joe Petrie speaks with Carlos Ozores, partner at PA Consulting and leader of the firm’s U.S. aviation practice, about how airports can develop new revenue sources to help close the funding gap.

There’s a lot going on at MTU Maintenance, from new service expansions and smart tools to unique sustainability practices. In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, Marcel Leon de Paz—VP of Programs and Sales at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg—shares insight on modernization in aviation maintenance and in MTU’s operations. Listen to learn more about MTU Intelligent Solutions and other key innovations that align with developments in the aviation industry, like AI-powered technology and workforce development programs.

In this episode of the AviationPros podcast, Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier talks with Maria Fernandez de Cordoba, CEO of Grupo EULEN USA, about the competitive realities of the U.S. ground handling sector. She explains how the company is investing in advanced workforce planning and software to better manage irregular operations and support airline on-time performance. Fernandez de Cordoba highlights the importance of frontline leadership in improving workforce recruitment and retention, emphasizing leadership development, cross-training and educational partnerships as core strategies.

In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, Dustin Zeitler, co-owner of RealClean Aircraft Detailing shares an inside look at his company’s operations and the ways franchising has improved services for the company and for customers. Zeitler gives insight into the value of specialized services in aircraft cleaning and detailing and the benefits of franchising for aircraft detailing and maintenance companies. He also offers advice to new professionals who want to pursue a career in aircraft detailing and seasoned aviation experts who might be considering a career transition.

In this AviationPros Podcast episode, Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier shares how the annual Leaders of the Year awards program highlights the individuals and organizations advancing safety, performance and innovation on the ramp. She invites listeners to nominate candidates before the March 13 deadline. To make a nomination, click here.

Electrification is transforming ground support equipment, but battery technology is at the center of making that transition practical and reliable. In this AviationPros podcast episode, Green Cubes’ Jerry Crump and Darin Kiefer join Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier to break down how lithium battery systems are helping ground handlers address real-world operational challenges. They explain how faster charging, opportunity charging, and improved battery capacity can help fleets operate effectively, even when charging infrastructure is limited or constantly changing. The discussion also covers how lithium batteries deliver more consistent performance, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance compared to traditional lead-acid systems. Crump and Kiefer also share how battery management systems and telematics are providing valuable data to improve uptime, enable predictive maintenance, and optimize fleet operations. As adoption grows, education, customization, and strong service support are proving essential to helping operators successfully transition to electric GSE.

With compliance oversight becoming more complex in MRO, maintenance organizations can use new tools and systems to stay organized, efficient and compliant. Director of Operations – Americas at Web Manuals Justin Raymond joined the Aviation Pros Podcast to discuss compliance in MRO. Listen for a dive into why complying with regulatory bodies can be complex and how repair shops can improve compliance management.

In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, Joe Petrie sits down with Vincent Lewis, Assistant Director of Capital and Infrastructure Development for the City of Dallas Department of Aviation, to explore what it really takes to lead large airport capital programs successfully.

In this podcast, Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier speaks with Johan Land, Senior Vice President, Safety and AI at Samsara, about how artificial intelligence is being applied to improve safety and performance in aviation ground operations. Land explains how Samsara uses AI-enabled cameras and telematics on ground support vehicles to identify risky behaviors such as mobile phone use, distraction, and hard braking. The system provides real-time alerts that help operators self-correct, while giving supervisors visibility into trends that can be addressed through targeted coaching and training. Customers using these programs have reported reductions of more than 70% in unsafe behaviors and incidents. The discussion also explores driver acceptance of in-vehicle cameras, and how programs built around transparency, coaching, and positive reinforcement can turn initial resistance into support. Looking ahead, Land shares how Samsara is expanding AI capabilities beyond collision prevention to address more specialized ground handling events, helping operators reduce damage, improve reliability, and drive safer ramp operations overall.

Luke Mulvaney, chief revenue officer and co-founder of Waev Inc., and Gerry Hoadley, GSE sales director, discuss how electric ground support equipment adoption is taking shape on the ramp, from infrastructure and operations to the realities of scaling e-GSE across airport environments.