Everyone’s Got a Headache: The Biggest Challenges in Aviation Right Now w/George Ferguson

Before the pandemic much of the industry ran on cruise control. Unfortunately, covid and the post-covid era exposed a lot of underlying weaknesses. From raw materials shortages to labor and production, everyone has a headache and there’s not enough aspirin to go around.

 

Before new solutions can be found the real challenge is stabilizing the processes we have now while also trying to make this an industry people will clamor to work in.

 

Although there is a flurry of activity within MRO, production and manufacturing need to bounce back and meet demand and the teething problems of LEAP and GTF engines need to be ironed out.

 

What are some of the moves that can be made to turnaround manufacturing? Is it high time for a new commercial airline program? What makes the jet engine business so great?

 

In this episode, Senior Aerospace/Defense and Airline analyst at Bloomberg Research, George Ferguson discusses what’s on the horizon for aviation, the challenges the industry is facing and possible profitable solutions.

 

We’re an aerospace nation. It’s a core industry we want to protect here in the US. -George Ferguson

 

Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode 

 

-Protecting American aerospace 

Aviation used to be an industry that attracted young talent, but now…not so much. How do we fix this urgent talent drain?

 

-The beauty of the engine business 

We’ve pushed jet engine technology as far as it can be pushed. What comes next?  

 

-Not all bad news for Boeing 

Is Boeing closer to being investable again than we think? Should they just consider building a new airplane entirely? 

 

Guest Bio

 

George Ferguson is a Senior Aerospace/Defense and Airline analyst and Research team leader at Bloomberg Intelligence, Bloomberg's research group. He’s experienced in portfolio management, equity and debt analysis. George is also a U.S. Army veteran, and served as an intelligence officer (S2) in Iraq during 2003. His education includes a B.A. in Economics from Penn State University, an MBA with a finance concentration from Rutgers Graduate School of Management. He’s also a CFA charterholder and a Private Pilot. Connect with him on LinkedIn. 

 

Learn More About Your Host:

 

Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. 

 

Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.