<![CDATA[ABNcast]]>48e7b693-3f9e-5f61-a50e-c4f8f27361a3Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:35:25 +0000Captivate.fmAviation Business Newshttps://artwork.captivate.fm/6fa4bf57-0e92-4d08-a9a3-0bcfae3e30f5/Untitled-design.pngABNcastAviation Business NewsAviation Business NewsA comprehensive exploration of the aviation industry, featuring in-depth interviews with leading executives, innovators, and policymakers. Covering a wide array of topics from aircraft maintenance and cabin interiors to air cargo logistics and digital transformation. This series provides a valuable insights into the industry’s latest trends and challenges and delivers on-the-ground coverage from major industry events like the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), MRO Europe, and the Predictive Aircraft Maintenance (PAM) Conference.https://www.aviationbusinessnews.com/videocast/falseepisodicnopodcastAIX 2026 Preview with Archana DharniAIX 2026 Preview with Archana DharniWith the Aircraft Interiors Expo poised to reach the landmark of 25 editions this year, ABN's Lee Hayhurst spoke to event direct Archana Dharni about the world's leading cabin trade show ahead of delegates convening in Hamburg for this year's event.

]]>With the Aircraft Interiors Expo poised to reach the landmark of 25 editions this year, ABN's Lee Hayhurst spoke to event direct Archana Dharni about the world's leading cabin trade show ahead of delegates convening in Hamburg for this year's event.

]]>6e18b1e8-0c2c-4fef-b162-db5e1d8d3b5dTue, 17 Mar 2026 15:35:00 +000023:45falsefullUATP Airline Distribution 2026: DAY TWOUATP Airline Distribution 2026: DAY TWOLast week's UATP Airline Distribution conference in Barcelona saw 300 airline, payments, and technology delegates gather to discuss the future of distribution, retail, and airline ecommerce. In this Day 2 episode of ABNcast we talk to Affirm, Virgin Atlantic, Kyte and The 30 Percent Group about how airlines and their tech partners are navigating disruption and change in the era of AI and agentic commerce.

]]>Last week's UATP Airline Distribution conference in Barcelona saw 300 airline, payments, and technology delegates gather to discuss the future of distribution, retail, and airline ecommerce. In this Day 2 episode of ABNcast we talk to Affirm, Virgin Atlantic, Kyte and The 30 Percent Group about how airlines and their tech partners are navigating disruption and change in the era of AI and agentic commerce.

]]>e8c23953-e151-420d-8076-6b6d5312fa9cMon, 16 Mar 2026 15:55:00 +000046:27falsefullUATP Airline Distribution 2026: DAY ONEUATP Airline Distribution 2026: DAY ONEThis week's UATP Airline Distribution conference in Barcelona saw 300 airline, payments, and technology delegates gather to discuss the future of distribution, retail, and airline ecommerce. In this Day 1 episode of ABNcast we talk to three innovators; split payments company Hands In, AI tech specialist Mobi and payment IT Pioneer Burbank Software.

]]>This week's UATP Airline Distribution conference in Barcelona saw 300 airline, payments, and technology delegates gather to discuss the future of distribution, retail, and airline ecommerce. In this Day 1 episode of ABNcast we talk to three innovators; split payments company Hands In, AI tech specialist Mobi and payment IT Pioneer Burbank Software.

]]>a3c92288-64a4-400b-8d86-22a175b15fa6Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:50:00 +000030:02falsefullMRO Middle East 2026: Aviation Network GroupMRO Middle East 2026: Aviation Network GroupLee Hayhurst caught up with Ian Thompson, founder of events company Aviation Network Group to discuss the story behind ANG’s creation, why community matters in aviation, and how their exclusive events and discussions help members stay ahead of trends without sales pitches - just honest, high-value conversations.

]]>Lee Hayhurst caught up with Ian Thompson, founder of events company Aviation Network Group to discuss the story behind ANG’s creation, why community matters in aviation, and how their exclusive events and discussions help members stay ahead of trends without sales pitches - just honest, high-value conversations.

]]>1381a768-61ed-4ee1-b0a4-ed2d361d88bbWed, 11 Mar 2026 12:20:00 +000015:01falsefullPAM MENA, Dubai: Day 2 Wrap-upPAM MENA, Dubai: Day 2 Wrap-upIn this episode, we bring together three forward-thinking leaders shaping the future of aviation and advanced manufacturing. Mahmoud El Sawah, Founder and CEO of AirNxt, Zoe O'Byrne, Sales Executive at Eirtrade Aviation, and Sean Simons, Co-Founder and CEO of Robot Toolworx, share insights on innovation, automation, sustainability, and the evolving aviation ecosystem. From next-generation air mobility to MRO solutions and robotics-driven manufacturing, this conversation explores how technology and leadership are redefining the industry.

]]>In this episode, we bring together three forward-thinking leaders shaping the future of aviation and advanced manufacturing. Mahmoud El Sawah, Founder and CEO of AirNxt, Zoe O'Byrne, Sales Executive at Eirtrade Aviation, and Sean Simons, Co-Founder and CEO of Robot Toolworx, share insights on innovation, automation, sustainability, and the evolving aviation ecosystem. From next-generation air mobility to MRO solutions and robotics-driven manufacturing, this conversation explores how technology and leadership are redefining the industry.

]]>949410cf-702f-4788-b5d6-0d166a7dc586Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:42:00 +000031:41falsefullPAM MENA, Dubai: Day 1 Wrap-upPAM MENA, Dubai: Day 1 Wrap-upLee Hayhurst brings all the action from Day One at the Inaugural PAM MENA conference in Dubai, with interviews from:

  • Kamal Patel, Chief Growth Officer at AireXpert
  • Shakespear Nyamande, Head of Paperless Digitalisation Project at Jaramco,
  • Buthaina Alghunaim, Airworthiness Duty Manager at Gulf Air


]]>Lee Hayhurst brings all the action from Day One at the Inaugural PAM MENA conference in Dubai, with interviews from:

  • Kamal Patel, Chief Growth Officer at AireXpert
  • Shakespear Nyamande, Head of Paperless Digitalisation Project at Jaramco,
  • Buthaina Alghunaim, Airworthiness Duty Manager at Gulf Air


]]>9dcb11b4-36ad-4db2-86fd-a1908c821769Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:09:00 +000029:40falsefullTrip.com with James Spalding Episode 3Trip.com with James Spalding Episode 3In this third of a mini-series of three ABNcast episodes featuring James Spalding, Regional Director for Northern Europe & North America at Trip.com, ABN's Lee Hayhurst talks about what happens when things don't go according to plan. How is Trip.com able to assist its airline partners to cope and recover in situations of irregular operations by being that conduit between them and customers looking for advice and information about what to do when travel is disrupted.


]]>In this third of a mini-series of three ABNcast episodes featuring James Spalding, Regional Director for Northern Europe & North America at Trip.com, ABN's Lee Hayhurst talks about what happens when things don't go according to plan. How is Trip.com able to assist its airline partners to cope and recover in situations of irregular operations by being that conduit between them and customers looking for advice and information about what to do when travel is disrupted.


]]>37cdc477-c768-4db5-b490-c4087e40193bThu, 29 Jan 2026 09:37:00 +000025:51falsebonusTrip.com with James Spalding Episode 2Trip.com with James Spalding Episode 2Lee Hayhurst, Editorial Director at Aviation Business News, sat down with James Spalding, Regional Director for Northern Europe & North America at Trip.com Group, at their London office for an insightful conversation on the evolving travel landscape. 🌍 From post-pandemic recovery to digital innovation and shifting traveller behaviours, James shares expert perspectives on what’s next for the global travel industry. Don't miss this deep dive into one of the sector's leading online travel platforms.


]]>Lee Hayhurst, Editorial Director at Aviation Business News, sat down with James Spalding, Regional Director for Northern Europe & North America at Trip.com Group, at their London office for an insightful conversation on the evolving travel landscape. 🌍 From post-pandemic recovery to digital innovation and shifting traveller behaviours, James shares expert perspectives on what’s next for the global travel industry. Don't miss this deep dive into one of the sector's leading online travel platforms.


]]>00b703dd-de68-427c-beb3-6eddc8a22eaaThu, 29 Jan 2026 09:35:00 +000026:29falsebonusTrip.com with James Spalding Episode 1Trip.com with James Spalding Episode 1The first of ABNcast's mini series with Trip.com.

]]>The first of ABNcast's mini series with Trip.com.

]]>b4c3566c-224f-41e5-970c-b9613fdc0afcWed, 28 Jan 2026 14:07:00 +000027:27falsebonusTampere: Finland's flourishing aviation sector with Chief Executive of Business, Harri OjalaTampere: Finland's flourishing aviation sector with Chief Executive of Business, Harri OjalaFinland topped the world rankings for being the happiest place on earth for the eighth year running in 2025, so what’s it like to live and work there in the country’s flourishing aviation sector? ABNcast finds out by talking to Harri Ojala, Chief Executive of Business Tampere, about the region’s focus on the aviation sector, and also its expertise in technology and innovation due to its historic connections with Finnish telecommunications company Nokia.

]]>Finland topped the world rankings for being the happiest place on earth for the eighth year running in 2025, so what’s it like to live and work there in the country’s flourishing aviation sector? ABNcast finds out by talking to Harri Ojala, Chief Executive of Business Tampere, about the region’s focus on the aviation sector, and also its expertise in technology and innovation due to its historic connections with Finnish telecommunications company Nokia.

]]>dd8ee7c7-8660-4e3e-b36f-9d0463da02b6Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:05:00 +000032:20falsefullPAM Europe 2025 Episode 3: British Airways, GE Aerospace & AIXIPAM Europe 2025 Episode 3: British Airways, GE Aerospace & AIXIAt our PAM Europe, Dublin conference 2025, Lee Hayhurst catches up with:

  • Stephen Rayner, PM Senior technical Engineer, British Airways
  • Honor Powrie, Snr Director of Data Analytics, GE Aerospace
  • Cameron Byrd, CEO & Founder, AIXI Inc.


Together, they explored the latest breakthroughs in predictive maintenance—from smarter data insights to more efficient fleet operations.

]]>At our PAM Europe, Dublin conference 2025, Lee Hayhurst catches up with:

  • Stephen Rayner, PM Senior technical Engineer, British Airways
  • Honor Powrie, Snr Director of Data Analytics, GE Aerospace
  • Cameron Byrd, CEO & Founder, AIXI Inc.


Together, they explored the latest breakthroughs in predictive maintenance—from smarter data insights to more efficient fleet operations.

]]>17272053-84d0-4e94-9ca6-34596123a166Fri, 16 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +000037:11falsebonusPAM Europe 2025 Episode 2: Boeing, Parker Aerospace & Vallair AeroPAM Europe 2025 Episode 2: Boeing, Parker Aerospace & Vallair AeroAt our PAM Europe, Dublin conference 2025, Lee Hayhurst catches up with:

  • Darren Macer, Principle Senior Technical Fellow, Maintenance Strategy and Vision, Boeing
  • Jeff Smith, Head of Digital Product Programs, Parker Aerospace
  • Pascal Parant, Group Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Vallair

Together, they explored the latest breakthroughs in predictive maintenance—from smarter data insights to more efficient fleet operations.


]]>At our PAM Europe, Dublin conference 2025, Lee Hayhurst catches up with:

  • Darren Macer, Principle Senior Technical Fellow, Maintenance Strategy and Vision, Boeing
  • Jeff Smith, Head of Digital Product Programs, Parker Aerospace
  • Pascal Parant, Group Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Vallair

Together, they explored the latest breakthroughs in predictive maintenance—from smarter data insights to more efficient fleet operations.


]]>8639961a-fb8a-4f03-9b2e-647b8d7d4c33Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:42:00 +000035:54falsebonusPAM Europe 2025 Episode 1: easyJet, Air France/KLM, Eirtrade AviationPAM Europe 2025 Episode 1: easyJet, Air France/KLM, Eirtrade AviationAt our PAM Europe, Dublin conference in October 2025, Lee Hayhurst caught up with:

  1. Craig Lynch, Predictive Aircraft Maintenance at Easy
  2. Aude Fagour, Predictive Aircraft Engineer, Air France/KLM
  3. Conor O'Brien, Technical Director, EirTrade Aviation

Together, they explored the latest breakthroughs in predictive maintenance—from smarter data insights to more efficient fleet operations. They also reflected on the encouraging rise of women entering engineering, and what it means for the future of aviation.

]]>At our PAM Europe, Dublin conference in October 2025, Lee Hayhurst caught up with:

  1. Craig Lynch, Predictive Aircraft Maintenance at Easy
  2. Aude Fagour, Predictive Aircraft Engineer, Air France/KLM
  3. Conor O'Brien, Technical Director, EirTrade Aviation

Together, they explored the latest breakthroughs in predictive maintenance—from smarter data insights to more efficient fleet operations. They also reflected on the encouraging rise of women entering engineering, and what it means for the future of aviation.

]]>2d8b58bb-8385-4e9e-ade3-e252b7946c11Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:09:00 +000035:03falsebonusDTX Group: A new player in the international aircraft maintenance sectorDTX Group: A new player in the international aircraft maintenance sectorA new global player in the aircraft engineering and MRO sector has emerged with the divestment of Drayton Aerospace's non-Chinese interests. In this episode of ABNcast ABN's Lee Hayhurst speaks to founder and experienced aviation professional Hussein Lookmanjee about his ambitions for DTX, key trends he sees in the sector, the ongoing challenge for people and skills, and why he still gets excited about working in aviation.


]]>A new global player in the aircraft engineering and MRO sector has emerged with the divestment of Drayton Aerospace's non-Chinese interests. In this episode of ABNcast ABN's Lee Hayhurst speaks to founder and experienced aviation professional Hussein Lookmanjee about his ambitions for DTX, key trends he sees in the sector, the ongoing challenge for people and skills, and why he still gets excited about working in aviation.


]]>bd559bc4-7848-49cc-a114-523d050aef16Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:43:00 +000033:31falsefullAI's impact on the aviation sector: Joey Smith, Cassel SalpeterAI's impact on the aviation sector: Joey Smith, Cassel SalpeterJoey Smith, director of aviation services at investment banking firm Cassel Salpeter spoke to ABN editorial director Lee Hayhurst in this latest edition of ABNcast about a report the firm has published looking at the impact that Artificial Intelligence is having on the sector. He also expresses his concerns about the looming threat of US tariffs by the Trump administration on prospects for the industry.

]]>Joey Smith, director of aviation services at investment banking firm Cassel Salpeter spoke to ABN editorial director Lee Hayhurst in this latest edition of ABNcast about a report the firm has published looking at the impact that Artificial Intelligence is having on the sector. He also expresses his concerns about the looming threat of US tariffs by the Trump administration on prospects for the industry.

]]>23c2e35e-2e1f-4812-afa8-403a133e18ddThu, 08 Jan 2026 04:31:00 +000033:28falsefullPilot and cabin crew recruitment: Stine Berg, AAPPilot and cabin crew recruitment: Stine Berg, AAPThe latest episode of ABNcast focuses on pilot and cabin crew recruitment with AAP's head of human resources Stine Berg. She tells ABN's Lee Hayhurst how the market for new recruits is changing, as is how people feel about roles in aviation, and what the sector must do to adapt to ensure it has the talent to thrive in the future. The edition airs as registrations close for this year's ABN Best Places To Work In Aviation awards.

]]>The latest episode of ABNcast focuses on pilot and cabin crew recruitment with AAP's head of human resources Stine Berg. She tells ABN's Lee Hayhurst how the market for new recruits is changing, as is how people feel about roles in aviation, and what the sector must do to adapt to ensure it has the talent to thrive in the future. The edition airs as registrations close for this year's ABN Best Places To Work In Aviation awards.

]]>adfb2f86-9518-4d55-bec6-9de2a306b2d2Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:29:00 +000020:51falsefullAirChair: A conversation with Business Development Director, Sarah McOnieAirChair: A conversation with Business Development Director, Sarah McOnieAirchair was developed in 2007 to help airlines match a key regulatory and social requirement to a passenger’s needs.

Lee Hayhurst sits down with Sarah McOnie to discuss the origins of the family business, the changing regulatory environment in this area, and their AirChair product which focuses on efficiency and passenger comfort.

]]>Airchair was developed in 2007 to help airlines match a key regulatory and social requirement to a passenger’s needs.

Lee Hayhurst sits down with Sarah McOnie to discuss the origins of the family business, the changing regulatory environment in this area, and their AirChair product which focuses on efficiency and passenger comfort.

]]>ccca181c-fce4-4b16-8783-c5a08653bb87Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:26:00 +000036:52falsefullThe Wayfinding Centre: Talking mobility challenges with Frank O’Hagan, Chris White & Ken FitzgibbonThe Wayfinding Centre: Talking mobility challenges with Frank O’Hagan, Chris White & Ken FitzgibbonOn a visit to the Wayfinding Centre Dublin, Lee Hayhurst sat down with Frank O’Hagan, head of marketing at Altavair, Chris White, chief executive at Vision Ireland and Ken Fitzgibbon, chief executive at EirTrade Aviation to discuss how Wayfinding provides innovative and sustainable solutions for transport and mobility challenges experienced by people with a disability.

]]>On a visit to the Wayfinding Centre Dublin, Lee Hayhurst sat down with Frank O’Hagan, head of marketing at Altavair, Chris White, chief executive at Vision Ireland and Ken Fitzgibbon, chief executive at EirTrade Aviation to discuss how Wayfinding provides innovative and sustainable solutions for transport and mobility challenges experienced by people with a disability.

]]>ac409b66-f252-466b-8ae4-35b7eff85c72Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:24:00 +000016:12falsefullDeutsche Aircraft D328eco with Anastasija VisnakovaDeutsche Aircraft D328eco with Anastasija VisnakovaAt Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Deutsche Aircraft announced the unveiling of the first fuselage cut for the inaugural test aircraft for the D328eco™ programme. The Farnborough International Airshow began on a momentous note for Deutsche Aircraft, as the OEM announced the initiation of the first fuselage cut for the D328eco test aircraft. This significant milestone sets the stage for the test aircraft's maiden flight. With over 95% of suppliers already onboard, the D328eco programme has made remarkable progress over the past four years.

Lee Hayhurst caught up with Deutsche Aircraft's VP of Sales and Marketing, Anastasija Visnakova, to discuss this new eco friendly aircraft, the multi-role capabilities, challenges bringing it to market and the on-going push for talent within the OEM sector.

]]>At Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Deutsche Aircraft announced the unveiling of the first fuselage cut for the inaugural test aircraft for the D328eco™ programme. The Farnborough International Airshow began on a momentous note for Deutsche Aircraft, as the OEM announced the initiation of the first fuselage cut for the D328eco test aircraft. This significant milestone sets the stage for the test aircraft's maiden flight. With over 95% of suppliers already onboard, the D328eco programme has made remarkable progress over the past four years.

Lee Hayhurst caught up with Deutsche Aircraft's VP of Sales and Marketing, Anastasija Visnakova, to discuss this new eco friendly aircraft, the multi-role capabilities, challenges bringing it to market and the on-going push for talent within the OEM sector.

]]>1dc2439c-004c-413f-b231-33f6632ceefdThu, 08 Jan 2026 04:20:00 +000029:26falsefull