This 2nd season of Flightpath with Alok kicks off in style. In this first episode we are back in India and Alok catches up with Rob Taylor, Chief Technical Officer of Carlyle Aviation Partners Ltd (Carlyle). Carlyle has a large portfolio of approximately 380 owned or managed commercial aircraft worth an estimated US$ 12.1B, spread across 55 countries. Rob is responsible for the day-to-day technical operations and liaises with both financial and commercial disciplines with in the company; his career spans more than thirty five years, the majority of which has been working at a senior and management level, and for a variety of businesses. These have included private corporations; helped the start up efforts of the Canada based LCC WestJet Airlines; has experience working with helicopters, and at the aero engine OEM Pratt & Whitney Canada, as well as legacy carrier Canadian Airlines International. Rob received a Bachelor of Technology Degree (BTech) from British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and has a BTEC national diploma in Aeroscience (Mechanical) and is accredited by the Engineering Council of the UK as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), as well as a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society (MRAeS) and Chartered Management Institute of UK (MCMI). Additionally, Rob holds a Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License (AME) with multiple ratings. In this episode Rob shares with Alok about his early experiences, how a young want-to-be architect found himself enlisted in the army and how this set him on a path to aviation. Among the topics Rob discusses with Alok are the future of commercial travel; the growth in automation; the importance of attracting talent; how to share knowledge effectively, and the importance of being open as a business to new ideas. If you are wondering whether a career in aviation is for you, and in particular if aircraft leasing will provide you with the opportunities you seek, then this episode is certainly worth a listen.
About Rob Taylor
Website: https://www.carlyle.com/about-carlyle/team/robert-taylor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-taylor-74020910/
TAKEAWAYS
- Having a diverse team with different cultural backgrounds and perspectives is crucial for making well-rounded decisions in the aviation industry.
- Attracting and retaining talent is a challenge in the industry, especially with competition from other sectors like software companies and OEMs.
- The role of asset management is evolving in Carlyle, particularly with the focus on new aircraft and the need for skilled engineers and finance professionals.
- Continuous learning and understanding of finance are essential for success in the aviation industry.
- Optimizing resources and balancing costs is important in managing aircraft maintenance and operations. Acquiring portfolios of aircraft comes with technical challenges, such as converting data into a digital format and managing multiple aircraft.
- Data and software play a crucial role in the aircraft leasing industry, and in-house software platforms have been developed to track and manage assets.
- New technology, such as the GTF engine, has had an impact on the industry, leading to grounded aircraft and supply chain issues.
- There is a need for skilled professionals in the industry, and mentorship is important for career growth and development.
- Individuals entering the industry should be open to opportunities, listen more than they talk, and focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on the past.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Career Trajectory
13:15 The Role of a CTO and Managing a Diverse Team
38:24 The Evolution of Asset Management in Carlyle
46:33 Overcoming Technical Challenges in Acquiring Aircraft Portfolios
01:06:09 The Impact of New Technology on the Industry
01:20:08 The Importance of India in the Aircraft Leasing Industry
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Fin.