Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Director General
Bermuda Civil
Aviation Authority
Dunstan
World’s Most Inuential Leaders in the
Aerospace & Aviation Industry, 2023
Leading on Sky
November 2023
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10
Thomas
Dunstan
A Renowned Leader in Aviation
and the Stewardship of the
Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority
20 Anca Mihalache
22 Ayisha Panhwar
32 David Colindres
40 Larry Studdiford
46 Lindsey Gamell
50 Michael Naylor
54 Rania Toukebri
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Thomas
Dunstan
A Renowned Leader in
Aviation and the Stewardship
of the Bermuda Civil
Aviation Authority
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Thomas Dunstan, Director General of the
Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (the
BCAA), has had a lifelong fascination with
aircraft and aviation since he was a young
boy growing up in Bermuda. He was
fortunate to be able to follow his dream and
studied Aviation Management and Flight
Operations at Daniel Webster College in New
Hampshire, earning a B.Sc. and attaining his
FAA and Canadian commercial pilot licenses
with multi-engine instrument and instructor
ratings.
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Regulating Excellence
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Continuous Learning and Trust in developing regular strategic plans to drive the
BCAA forward. These plans focus on exploring
In the past, Thomas has been committed to personal market opportunities, increasing brand awareness,
and professional growth. He emphasizes the and hiring the right talent to foster the
importance of continuous education, both formally organization's growth and development. Thomas
through conferences and informally through sees his own growth as intertwined with the growth
networking opportunities. Staying updated and of the organization, striving to advance in sync with
learning from others helps him enhance his skills its progress.
and knowledge, enabling him to contribute
effectively to the organization's growth. Learning from mistakes and seeking inspiration
from others are integral aspects of Thomas's
Thomas is driven by the belief that the organization leadership philosophy. He acknowledges that no
should constantly evolve and avoid complacency. one is perfect, including himself, and believes in
Instead of resting on past achievements, he believes being open and vulnerable when necessary. Thomas
16 | November 2023
values the human aspect of foundation of his leadership style, Canada. So, he moved back to
leadership and believes in taking enabling him to lead with empathy Bermuda, and after working at a
care of his team members. He and effectiveness. couple of non-aviation jobs, he was
recognizes that a successful hired by Airport Operations at the
organization depends on a Resilience and Success in Bermuda International Airport.
supportive and motivated team, and Aviation
by nurturing and empowering In aviation, one needs to have a
them, they, in turn, will provide Thomas feels he has been very plan, but also be prepared with
excellent service to the customers. fortunate in his aviation career to contingency plans, as things don't
In his leadership approach, Thomas date. While it hasn't been without always go according to the original
emphasizes building trust among its challenges, any barriers he has plan. Being flexible and ready to
team members. By acknowledging faced haven't been particularly adapt has proven to be invaluable
imperfections and demonstrating significant. Perhaps the most for Thomas over the last few years.
vulnerability, he fosters an difficult time was right after he had He recognizes that in the dynamic
environment of trust, which is vital successfully studied and trained to field of aviation, unexpected
for developing strong professional be a pilot. Right around the time he situations can arise, and the ability
relationships in the workplace. obtained all his licenses, the first to adjust and respond swiftly is
Thomas's commitment to humanity Gulf War started, and he couldn't essential for success.
and caring for his team forms the find a flying job in the U.S. or
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Leading from the Skies
Despite facing these unprecedented challenges, the
BCAA remains steadfast in its commitment to growth
As the Director General, Thomas is tasked with
and diversification. The organization is actively
overseeing all facets of the BCAAs operations, both
exploring new avenues to achieve these goals and
technical and corporate in nature. His role is crucial in
overcome the obstacles it has encountered. Thomas
developing and implementing strategic plans, and he
expresses immense pride in the resilience and
plays a pivotal role in staff hiring and succession
adaptability of his team, as they have demonstrated
planning, ensuring that the organization maintains a
their ability to succeed even in the face of adversity
competent and capable workforce.
and unprecedented industry conditions. He believes
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Thomas
that the BCAA has emerged stronger than ever, thanks
also holds a position on the BCAA Board of Directors,
to the determination and dedication of its members.
contributing to the governance and decision-making
processes of the organization.
Building a Resilient Future
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Thomas's daily
The BCAA has been diligently focused on succession
routine is witnessing the satisfaction of customers as
planning, growth, and diversification over the past
they take their aircraft to the skies. Knowing that he and
several years. To achieve these goals, the Authority
his team have played a part in ensuring a smooth and
has employed various tactics, including seconding
successful flight brings him a great sense of joy and
staff to different organizations worldwide and actively
accomplishment. This customer-centric approach
marketing the Bermuda Registry to new regions like
underscores his commitment to providing unparalleled
Asia and the Middle East.
service and exemplifies the core values of the BCAA.
Unfortunately, the imposition of international
Overcoming Adversity
sanctions on Russia significantly impacted the
BCAA's revenues, as a substantial portion of the
Over the past three years, the aviation industry,
aircraft on the Bermuda Aircraft Registry were
including the BCAA, faced numerous challenges. The
operated by Russian airlines. Consequently,
COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions
diversification and shifting business development
severely impacted air travel worldwide. Despite this,
focus to new markets have become crucial priorities
the BCAA adapted by implementing a work-from-home
for the Authority to mitigate such risks.
model and collaborating with clients to navigate the
pandemic successfully.
In the long term, the BCAA aims to become a
prominent advocate for environmental sustainability
In February 2022, a new crisis arose when Russia
within the aviation industry. Embracing technological
invaded Ukraine without provocation. International
advancements will be key to reducing the
sanctions were imposed on Russia, which had a
organization's carbon footprint, furthering its
catastrophic impact on the BCAA's ability to oversee
commitment to environmental responsibility.
Russian-operated aircraft registered under the Bermuda
Aircraft Registry. Consequently, on 12th March 2022,
Amidst these priorities, the BCAA remains steadfast
the BCAA was forced to suspend airworthiness
in delivering outstanding customer service and
certificates for over 700 Bermuda-registered aircraft
preserving its exemplary safety record. These core
operated by Russian airlines, leading to a sharp decline
values continue to be at the heart of the organization's
in revenue and posing additional challenges for the
mission and operations, ensuring that they continue to
organization.
excel in providing top-notch services while upholding
18 | November 2023 safety standards.
By adapting to new challenges, fostering Above all, prioritize safety at all times and never
diversification, and championing sustainability, the compromise on it. Avoid taking shortcuts, and always
BCAA is positioning itself for a resilient and adhere to the highest safety standards. Make decisions
successful future in the aviation industry. based on doing the right thing, even if it may be
challenging or demanding. Remember that in aviation,
Unveiling the Boundless Horizons the right choice is often not the easy one.
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Anca
Mihalache
Vice President of Engine Trade at APOC Aviation
20 | November 2023
A
clients back in the air. The firm claims, on-site warehouse. A sophisticated
"If you need it, we can do it. The climate control system is installed
seasoned APOC crew is always ready across the whole warehouse to achieve
for a challenge. We continue to be a very precise temperature management.
leading provider of aircraft engines, For its sales staff to promptly and
landing gear, and other parts to the conveniently fulfil your purchase, the
aviation sector thanks to our expertise inventory is regularly updated and
in the field, client-focused mindset, and changed. Even a tiny plane is available
unwavering resolve. for those urgent deliveries inside
Europe, and it is stationed at
One of the newest firms in the globe Rotterdam Airport.
that sells used aeroplanes is APOC
Aviation. We are energetic, youthful The goal of APOC is to keep
people that like flying. Between aeroplanes fully operational by
Rotterdam Airport and Amsterdam locating and supplying high-quality old
Anca Mihalache, vice president of
Schiphol Airport in Berkel en aviation equipment, adding value for
engine trade at APOC Aviation,
Rodenrijs, The Netherlands, is where its customers and promoting
discusses her professional history with
its office and warehouse are situated. It environmental sustainability. It
LCRAB magazine. She is a skilled
contains a sizable inventory of high- accomplishes this through providing
marketer with a Bachelor of Arts in PR
quality aircraft components that we for the needs of its employees, clients,
and Communication from the National
offer for sale in both AR and SV and goods. What sets us apart is the
School of Political and Administrative
situations. Each part is bar-coded and particular way in which cooperation
Studies in Bucharest, with an emphasis
electronically tracked at the company's and technology are combined.
on marketing, communication, and PR.
APOC Aviation
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Ayisha Panhwar is the co-founder and
CEO (innovation champion) at
Panhwar Jet. As CEO, she consistently
looks for market possibilities and
cultivates partnerships to manage
resources most efficiently and
effectively. Ayisha is an expert in
structuring teams that are relevant to
the innovation process because she has
participated in innovations at various
levels inside a major firm. She
provides exceptional leadership
expertise in the IT industry, spanning
17 years. In the IT industry, she had
achieved success. With the help of AI-
driven solutions, she has a tech-savvy
attitude and viewpoint to improve
operational excellence and people's
welfare. She says, "Achieving
milestones and seeing innovative
technology evolve every day right in
front of my eyes makes my day!"
Panhwar Jet
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David
Colindres
Shaping the Future
of the Aviation Industry
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an impressive 21 years of expertise in the field, David Colindres
has established himself as a leading expert in private jet and
commercial aircraft affairs. He currently holds the prestigious
position of President of the illustrious San Marino Aircraft
Registry (SMAR), widely regarded as the top option for private jet
owners globally.
With David at the helm, SMAR has had incredible success over the
past eleven years. Under his leadership, the registry has become
synonymous with unparalleled quality and service. SMAR has
risen to the top of its field thanks to David and his team's
commitment, diligence unrelenting dedication and passion for the
industry.
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San Marino Aircraft Registry
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Dr. Azzam
M. Qari
Showing Visionary Leadership in the
World of Aviation
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In Dr. Qari's view, contemporary organization. This involves inspiring interactions with APSCO's dedicated
leaders often lack several critical the team to transcend conventional employees and witnessing their
qualities: boundaries and harness emerging unwavering commitment to the
Ÿ Vision: Many leaders struggle to technologies to redefine solutions company's mission, contributing to its
envision the broader landscape and within the aviation sector. ongoing success.
develop long-term strategies for
their organizations. Leading by Example Embracing Challenges as
Ÿ Innovation: There's a hesitancy to Opportunities
take calculated risks and explore The most significant challenge Dr. Qari
new avenues, hindering innovation has faced in his career as an aviation Dr. Qari firmly believes that challenges
within their organizations. leader is the constant need to set an are opportunities for growth and
Ÿ Communication: Effective example. Whether at the individual strength. In the Chinese language, the
communication of vision and goals level, as a leader at APSCO, or in the word for challenge carries the same
to employees is often a challenge, aviation industry, he must consistently meaning as opportunity, highlighting
resulting in a disconnect between uphold high standards, especially when the transformative potential of
leadership and the workforce. new challenges arise. An example of adversity. As an aviation leader, he has
this was during the Covid-19 encountered numerous challenges,
Dr. Qari's commitment to addressing pandemic, which had a profound each of which has served as a valuable
these challenges and promoting impact on travel and the aviation learning experience, contributing to
qualities like vision, innovation, and industry. Leaders, including Dr. Qari, personal and professional growth. Dr.
effective communication reflects his had to tackle this unprecedented issue, Qari holds the view that the finest
unwavering dedication to excellence highlighting the weight of leadership leaders are those who can not only
and leadership in the aviation industry.I responsibilities in navigating overcome challenges but also
have an educational background in unforeseen circumstances. As a leader transform them into opportunities.
engineering and business both of within APSCO, he understands that These challenges are not mere
which I have honed in practice through there will always be choices that obstacles; they serve as platforms for
years of experience in the oil and gas demand a strong sense of learning, innovation, and emerging
industry, which I entered in 2001. I responsibility, whether it's in even stronger.
have held a variety of positions at mentoring newcomers or making
APSCO, including Chief Operating pivotal decisions that shape the The challenge of being an aviation
Officer. These experiences laid the company's course. This awareness of leader entails delicately balancing
foundation for my unwavering leadership's inherent responsibility is a safety, efficiency, and sustainability
dedication to safety, efficiency, and guiding principle in his career. within a landscape characterized by
sustainable growth. rapid change. Success, in Dr. Qari's
Fostering Collaboration and perspective, transcends mere financial
Leading the Way in Aviation Fuel Diversity metrics. Instead, it encompasses
and Lubricants making a positive impact on the world
Dr. Qari believes that companies could and leaving a lasting legacy. Success,
APSCO holds a prominent position as benefit from having more leaders at the he emphasizes, is multifaceted, defined
a leading aviation fuel supplier and top. This approach would foster a more by the constructive influence one
lubricants manufacturer in the Middle collaborative and inclusive leaves on the industry and society at
East. The company's extensive environment, facilitating the large. It embodies the harmonious
offerings also encompass additional expression of diverse perspectives. integration of innovation,
services, including fuel storage and Additionally, it would help establish a responsibility, and unwavering
distribution. APSCO is steadfast in its robust talent pipeline for future integrity. This includes efforts to
mission to become the preferred and leadership roles. minimize the CO2 footprint and make
trusted partner for its valued an effective ESG (Environmental,
customers, delivering top-tier products As the CEO of APSCO, Dr. Qari Social, and Governance) impact.
and services at competitive prices. shoulders the critical responsibilities of Ultimately, success, according to Dr.
charting the company's strategic Qari, also hinges on personal happiness
Dr. Qari, as a leader within APSCO, course, supervising its operations, and and fulfillment in one's work, rounding
places a strong emphasis on remaining ensuring its financial performance. He out the multifaceted nature of
well-informed about the most recent also represents the company to its achievement.
industry developments. Furthermore, customers, partners, and the broader
he is committed to nurturing a culture public. However, the most gratifying
of innovation throughout the aspect of his daily routine is the
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Vision for APSCO
Dr. Qari's vision for the future of APSCO involves
sustained growth and the exploration of new
markets. He is committed to ongoing
investments in innovation and renewable
energy technologies to ensure APSCO remains at
the forefront of the aviation industry. His goal is
for APSCO to become a prominent global player
while fulfilling its corporate responsibility by
implementing green technologies for a more
sustainable future.
Dr. Qari's advice to the next generation of
aviation leaders is to embrace boldness and
innovation, emphasizing the importance of
making a positive ESG (Environmental, Social,
and Governance) impact. He encourages
aspiring leaders to think creatively, take
calculated risks, and foster a culture of diversity
and inclusion where everyone feels valued.
Above all, he underscores that true leadership is
not defined by titles but by the positive impact
one creates. It's about embracing change as an
opportunity rather than a threat and making a
meaningful difference in the industry and
beyond.
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The Leading Lady of the Aviation Industry
Amelia Earhart
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upholds policies and procedures. She value for all of its clients globally,
skillfully manages teams, production, wherever they may be, at any time. It
maintenance work orders, supply and combines market experience with
TT
inventory, and ensures customer substantial MRO capabilities and a
satisfaction and support in her role as global network. The Honeywell 737
business development and program Classic Series is distributed solely by
manager at TP Aerospace. To TP Aerospace.
improve organizational strategy, she
cultivates long-lasting connections TP Aerospace provides its airline
with stakeholders, senior clients with the highest level of
management, and customers. flexibility and cost transparency
through its integrated programs, all
After graduating from high school in of which are powered by its pay-as-
2002, Lindsey began working in you-go model. Customers of the
Today's aviation sector is lacking in aviation. She comes from a highly program benefit from an all-inclusive
crucial leadership expertise since varied background in the industry. approach that is supported by an
more than half (59%) of women in She began in general aviation, excellent warranty, a guarantee of
leadership roles in the sector have working in different office support stock availability, and first-rate
thought about quitting. Women are functions and learning the customer service.
more likely to be forced out of the fundamentals of aviation
profession because of bad maintenance. After that, she briefly The staff is committed to serving its
experiences, but males are more worked as a flight attendant for an clients and is aware of the many
likely to be drawn away by the airline. She then entered the area of difficulties faced by aircraft
promise of greater prospects. Greater maintenance repair organizations operators. When enrolled in a
and more noticeable roles for women (MRO), which is essentially where program with TP Aerospace, its
are emerging in the sector. she is currently as TP Aerospace is a clients are given a personal program
part 145 repair station. For most of manager who is intimately familiar
There have never been more women her career, Lindsey worked as a with their requirements and serves as
in top positions in the aviation sector. maintenance planner, arranging a sparring partner in streamlining
Still, there is a leadership gap as a heavy maintenance projects on their wheels and brake operations.
result of the prejudices and obstacles airplanes, which in layman terms
faced by female leaders that continue entailed organizing the whole work Being an Aviation Leader
to limit their development and scope and process for disassembling At TP Aerospace, Lindsey's duties
influence. There is a growing trend an airplane fully, inspecting it, and include leading a group of Customer
for people of all genders to adopt then putting it back together to get it Executives that, together with her,
leadership styles that support back in the air. handle all of the program accounts
successful women in business and for the North American region. This
the organizations they manage, as The Leading Aviation Aftermarket includes managing contracts, visiting
more women assume high-ranking Supplier with clients to report on KPIs;
positions. As the top aftermarket provider of monitoring daily operations; and
aircraft wheels and brakes, TP managing the technical facets of
Lindsey Gamell is a skilled and Aerospace provides all of its clients asset management, including
seasoned company leader and with an easy substitute for establishing priorities with the
manager who is extremely passionate conventional component business' internal MRO shop.
about aviation, is well-versed in the management. It excels at what it does Lindsey also works to provide
laws and rules pertaining to FAA because it has a narrow focus. The awareness and brand familiarity in
compliance, and develops and firm ensures quality, simplicity, and her business development role.
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d
Lindsey
Gamell
Business Development & Program Manager
TP Aerospace
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MICHAEL
NAYLOR
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