The Corporate Jet Investor Podcast

#26 Aoife O’Sullivan | Keystone Law | “I couldn’t possibly do anything else”

In the first Corporate Jet Investor Podcast episode of 2026, we hear from Aoife O’Sullivan on her background and how she got into aviation law, initially wanting to be a horse trainer before becoming a lawyer.

We discuss Aoife’s role as the chair of the British Business and General Aviation Association, discussing the challenges the UK market has faced post-Brexit and her optimism about its future potential.

Listen to the advice Aoife gives to the younger generations, interested in entering the business aviation industry, emphasising the need for a strong team and the diverse career opportunities available.

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#25 Jamie Walker | Jetlinx | “Let our leaders lead”

Jamie Walker, executive chairman of Jetlink, recently returned to a more active role after a 2-year break. 

Jetlink focuses on a local market approach, with private terminals or partnerships in over 20 locations. They have found success in acquiring and integrating smaller local charter operators. 

However, they have struggled with illegal charter competition in some markets. Walker emphasises Jetlink’s commitment to safety and quality, and their plans to continue growing their domestic footprint through organic expansion and strategic partnerships.

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#24 Neil Engerran | Aircraft Commerce | “I think there can be a shortage of attracting talent”

The challenges of attracting talent to the business aviation industry have not gone away. Especially for roles like pilots and mechanics. Neil believes there may be a shortage of talent, but there is also a shortage of attracting talent.

Retaining talent, especially mechanics, can be difficult due to compensation differences compared to commercial aviation. Providing career development opportunities and making employees feel valued are important.

There are cultural differences between business aviation and commercial aviation that impact the type of candidates that thrive in each environment. Assessing cultural fit is crucial when hiring.

Owners of private aircraft often rely heavily on their pilots’ input when selecting aircraft models, showing the importance of the pilot-owner relationship in business aviation.

Advice for those looking to enter business aviation includes being proactive, getting exposure to the industry, and being honest about the demands of the work.

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#23 Mark Hardman | Right Jet | “You know, this industry is about trust and building trust” 

Join us this week with Mark Hardman, the founder of the business aviation company RightJet. Mark and Alasdair discuss the company’s growth over the past 5 years, including expanding their showroom presence in the UAE and focusing on providing a full suite of services – from aircraft sales and charter to management.

Mark shares his extensive background in the industry, having started in aviation 40 years ago at Stansted Airport. He talks about the evolution of business aviation, particularly in the Middle East market, and how RightJet differentiates itself through a focus on ethics, transparency, and delivering exceptional service.

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#22 Ted Farid | Jet HQ | “The world has changed now”

“It’s a relationship business”

Ted Farid, Chairman at Jet HQ spoke to us this week about his 50+ year career in the business aviation industry. 

Ted touches upon the dramatic technological and global changes that the industry has undergone over his career, from the early days of Blackberries to today’s ubiquitous connectivity. 

Evolution of aircraft design, shifting from engineer-focused to more customer-centric as business jets became viewed as “office in the air”.

Finally, Ted reflects on his favourite aircraft models and the most challenging periods, such as the 2008 downturn and COVID-19.

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#21 Memo Montemayor | EMC Jet | “It’s just the nuttiest stuff” 

Memo Montemayor is the founder of EMC Jet, a boutique aircraft brokerage and consulting firm based in Houston, Texas.

EMC Jet specialises in larger business jets like the G650 and Gulfstream models. They also sell turboprops like the King Air. Memo has expanded the company with offices in Atlanta, India, and Thailand.

Memo is very focused on building relationships and networking, sponsoring athletes and sports teams to connect with potential clients. This includes deals with Formula 1, the Houston Astros, and PGA Tour players.

Memo emphasises the importance of professionalism and ethics in the sometimes shady aircraft brokerage industry. He is involved with the industry association GLADE to promote best practices.

Despite the high-pressure nature of the business, Memo tries to maintain a work-life balance, playing golf 2-3 times per week and spending time with his family.

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#20 Anthony Tivnan | Magellan Jets |

Anthony Tivnan, from Magellan Jets, discussed the company’s aviation solutions, including on-demand charter, jet cards, aircraft sales and management, and a new fractional programme. 

Magellan has invested heavily in technology and AI to improve efficiency and the customer experience, such as integrating the Stellar platform, developing internal AI expertise, and automating various processes. 

Tivnan emphasised the importance of change management and education when implementing AI, as well as the challenges of balancing technology investments with maintaining a personal, high-touch service. 

He also shares insights on the evolving private aviation market, the rise of online booking platforms, and Magellan’s focus on supply chain optimisation and client retention.

Visit the Magellen Jets website here: https://magellanjets.com/ 

Listen to the full episode HERE

#19 Stewart Lapayowker | “Just pick up the phone” 

 Stewart Lapayowker, founder of Lapayowker Jet Counsel, fell into aviation law early in his legal career when a partner at his law firm asked him to handle a private jet transaction. This meant that he had to learn the industry from scratch. To prevent this happening to others, he has just published his first book: Buying a private jet? What you don’t know’. His advice for first-time private jet buyers is to assemble the right team of experts and not try to handle the process themselves.

You can read Stewart’s book here: https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/buying-a-private-jet-what-you-dont-know/stewart-h-lapayowker-esq/9798999278906

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#18 Fabian Bello | Journey Aviation | “Remade in America”

Fabian Bello, CEO of Journey Aviation and author of ‘Remade in America’, shares his personal story of immigrating to the US from Cuba as a child and the journey that led him to a successful career in business aviation. 

He discusses the challenges and rewards of running an aircraft management company, navigating the complex relationships with aircraft owners, brokers and passengers. 

Bello also reflects on the importance of managing expectations and being transparent with clients. Additionally, he touches on the cultural differences he experienced transitioning to life in America and how that shaped his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#17 Phil Winters | Western Aircraft | “Competition is healthy – it helps expand the market”

This CJI podcast episode welcomes Phil Winters, Vice President of Western Aircraft and Chair of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA). 

Phil discusses IADA’s role in setting standards for aircraft transactions, the evolution of the single-engine turboprop market, and the challenges facing aircraft manufacturers and dealers, including tariffs on Swiss-made aircraft. 

He shares his personal journey into aviation and aircraft sales, as well as insights on the differences between selling Piper and Pilatus aircraft. 

Phil also highlights the importance of the dealer-customer relationship and the value that IADA-accredited dealers can provide to aircraft buyers. 

Listen to the full episode HERE

#16 David Dixon | Jetcraft | “Still having fun every day, even this morning” 

In this episode, David Dixon reflects on his remarkable 50-year career in aviation, which began with selling small piston aircraft in Africa before transitioning to business jets, including a 33-year tenure at Bombardier. 

He explores the evolution of the business jet market, highlighting the distinct challenges and opportunities in Asia compared to North America and Europe, where infrastructure limitations and cultural nuances significantly influence sales strategies. 

 For newcomers, Dixon emphasises the importance of thoroughly understanding aircraft capabilities and customer needs, rather than focusing solely on price and specifications. Even after five decades, his passion for the industry remains strong, and he has no plans to retire as long as he finds the work both challenging and rewarding.

Listen to the full episode HERE

#15 Craig Picken | “My reputation, my diligence” 

Craig Picken is an executive recruiter, ICF-trained executive coach, writer, and speaker who specialises in the business aviation and aerospace industry. With over 400 executive-level searches completed since 2008, he focuses on placing senior leadership, sales, and operations talent with top OEMs, aircraft operators, financial institutions, and MRO providers. Craig is unique in the industry – he has flown aircraft, sold them, and successfully run profit-and-loss operations in aviation businesses.

Craig Picken shares his unique journey through the business aviation industry, starting with his decorated career in the US Navy, followed by leadership roles at Gulfstream and Bombardier, and eventually founding his own executive search firm focused on aviation and aerospace.

The conversation also explores the ongoing evolution of business aviation, from the growth of fractional ownership models like NetJets and Flexjet to current challenges such as global supply chain disruptions. Craig provides valuable insight into how these dynamics impact hiring and organisational strategy.

Hear more of Craig and his executives on his Aerospace Executive Podcast at: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-ncahu-266e14

Listen to the full episode  HERE 

#14 Dustin Cordier | StepZero | “Buying an aircraft is more similar to buying a business than it is buying a car”

In this episode, Dustin Cordier – founder of Step Zero, a coaching platform for business owners – shares how he helps leaders grow their businesses with intention, clarity, and long-term purpose. Drawing from his background in the Air Force, banking, and aircraft sales, Cordier now focuses on supporting family-owned and entrepreneurial companies, especially within the aviation industry.

He talks about the importance of planning for the future – whether that means preparing to pass a business on to the next generation or getting ready for a potential sale. Rather than focusing solely on short-term income, Cordier encourages building lasting value through systems, structure, and strong leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Cordier’s passion comes through for helping aviation business owners build companies that are both sustainable and resilient – able to grow and succeed well into the future.

Listen to the full episode HERE

#6 Don Dwyer | Guardian Jet | 

Don Dwyer of Guardian Jet shares key insights from his aviation sales career, from roles at Mooney and Hawker Beechcraft to co-founding Guardian Jet. He discusses the evolution of aircraft sales, client needs, and trust-building, along with private equity’s impact post-2008.

It is available on all podcasting platforms.

Hosted by Alasdair Whyte and brought to you by the team at Corporate Jet Investor.

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#5 Jay Mesinger | Mesinger Jet Sales

Jay Mesinger, CEO and founder of Mesinger Jet Sales discusses trends and challenges in the business aviation industry. 

He discusses President Trump’s first 100 days, giving out mobile phones to customers and early days of sales videos. 

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#4 Brian Proctor | Mente Group

Brian Proctor, president and CEO, Mente Group discusses how being shot in a random incident led him to focus on growing his business. 

Proctor shares insights on the business aviation industry’s evolution, noting a generational shift as older leaders retire and new ones emerge. He also discusses market trends post-Covid, emphasising the increased value of business aviation for time efficiency and safety. 

Listen to the full episode HERE 

#3 Janine Iannarelli | Par Avion

Janine Iannarelli, president of Par Avion, talks about how she turned down a role in advertising to research business jet owners. She explains how she moved into business jet sales – both as a broker and dealer – before launching her own company.

Janine says that owners should not chase transactions and that there is always another aircraft out there.

She discusses being a woman in a male dominated field, lessons from showjumping and why failure was never an option.

Listen to the full episode HERE

#2 Johnny Foster | OGARAJETS

In this second this episode we chat with Johnny Foster, President & CEO of OGARAJETS.

OGARAJETS has grown over 44 years but remains a family business with core values. Johnny tells us more about joining the business and how they work to maintain these values established by his father and retain the trust of their clients.

Johnny tells Alasdair Whyte why transparency is so important as a broker, why the company needs to grown and why a commitment to excellence was key when planning to take the reins as leader of OGARAJETS.

Listen to the full episode HERE

#1 Chad Anderson | Jetcraft

In this first episode, we speak with Chad Anderson, CEO of Jetcraft.

Chad shares his thoughts on what lies ahead in the world of business aviation for 2025. Is there enough inventory? How to keep the team motivated and what does it mean to ‘choose hard’?

Listen to the full episode HERE