Open Skies Podcast

In this cutting-edge episode of Open Skies, Chris Glass is joined by William Cecil from FLYHT Aerospace and Max Le Leannec from Transatel for a deep dive into the evolving world of aviation connectivity. Together, they break down how legacy communication systems like ACARS are reaching their limits—and how private 5G networks, edge computing, and IoT-driven infrastructure are set to transform everything from engine data offload to predictive maintenance and real-time baggage handling.The conversation covers why aviation has lagged behind industries like automotive in connectivity, and how global telecom innovation is now catching up to aircraft, gates, and terminals. From 5G private network deployments at airports like Charles de Gaulle and Hong Kong, to redundancy strategies for mission-critical systems, this episode explores how to future-proof the entire aviation data ecosystem. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to truly connect an aircraft—and an airport—this is your boarding pass to the future. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of OpenSkies, host Chris Glass speaks with Joel Thomas, founder of Stratos Jet Charters, and Darren Engle, the company’s Chief Growth Officer, about transforming the fragmented world of private aviation. What started as a one-man brokerage has evolved into a franchise model that empowers others to own and grow their own jet charter agencies—with the full power of Stratos’ infrastructure, safety systems, and flight operations at their back.Joel and Darren unpack the challenges of scaling a jet charter business, from booking flights and vetting air carriers to managing working capital and building client trust. They also share how departmentalizing operations, building proprietary tech, and staying true to strong values have allowed Stratos to deliver a consistently premium experience. Whether you're an aviation entrepreneur, private flyer, or someone who loves stories of purposeful business-building, this episode offers a candid and inspiring look at what's possible when you rethink how private aviation can work—for everyone.Connect with Stratos Jets: https://www.stratosjets.com/Learn more about the Statos Jets franchise or inquire to become a franchised agency owner: https://www.stratosjets.com/franchise/Connect with Joel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aircharter/Connect with Darren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-t-engle-571a546/Follow Stratos Jets on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratos-jets Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of OpenSkies, we sit down with John Werner, founder and CEO of Pilot John International, to explore how a Midwest farm kid with a love of aviation and tech built one of the fastest-growing e-commerce companies in the ground support equipment industry. John shares his unique path from flying Dash 8 (DHC-8) as a commercial pilot to scaling a niche aviation business from a blog with a few parts listings to a 50-person operation that ships 80% of orders the same day.We talk about the company’s evolution, John’s focus on customer-centric technology, and how Pilot John is helping to drag aviation logistics out of the spreadsheet era. He walks us through how they blend personal service with modern platforms, why keeping everything in-house matters, and how the team is building for global scale. If you’re curious about entrepreneurship, e-commerce in aviation, or the power of combining passion and process, this episode is a must-listen.Connect with Pilot John: https://pilotjohn.com/Shop by aircraft here: https://pilotjohn.com/aircraftConnect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilotjohn/Follow Pilot John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pilotjohninternational/ Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Open Skies, host Chris Glass sits down with Willie Cecil of FLYHT Aerospace to demystify one of aviation's biggest hidden challenges: how aircraft operational data is collected, transmitted, and used today—and why it desperately needs a 21st-century overhaul. From legacy telex-based communication systems to manual engine downloads that take hours, Willie explains why so much of aviation still operates like it’s the 1970s—and what’s finally changing.Willie introduces us to Edge+, a 5G-enabled data solution that’s helping airlines collect massive amounts of flight data in real time, paving the way for true predictive maintenance and more connected, efficient airline operations. They dive deep into the limitations of ACARS, QAR, and FADEC data handling, the rise of private 5G networks at airports, and what a fully connected aircraft can really unlock. Whether you’re an aviation pro or just fascinated by the tech that keeps us flying, this is one episode you won’t want to missSend us Fan MailSupport the show

In this eye-opening episode, host Chris Glass is joined by airline veterans Bob Cummings and Richard Bartrem, who offer a frank and informed take on the state of Canadian aviation. With decades of experience at the helm of WestJet and other carriers, they unpack why Canada’s air travel system is financially unsustainable, regionally imbalanced, and policy-stagnant. From rising airport fees to ineffective passenger rights legislation, the current system penalizes travelers and discourages investment—all while limiting access to smaller communities across the country.Bob and Richard call for a nationwide review of the industry that prioritizes governance, efficiency, and economic contribution. They outline how other countries—like Spain, Ireland, and South Korea—offer smarter, more equitable models. Most importantly, they make the case that air travel isn't a luxury, but a critical national infrastructure—one that must be protected and improved if Canada wants to remain globally competitive. If you've ever wondered why flying within Canada is so expensive or why regional routes are disappearing, this episode connects the dots and offers a path forward.Show Notes:A. Canadian Transportation Act – Section 5 Objectives   The Canadian Transportation Act is in place to guide policy. The declared objectives are listed in section 5, parts a-e.B. Bob Cummings & Richard Bartrem LinkedIn post on Canadian air sector reform  Bob Cummings, Richard Bartrem LinkedIn post on needed reforms in Canada’s air transportation.C. Cummings/Bartrem analysis of IATA’s forecast on Canadian air travel decline  Cummings/Bartrem analysis of IATA’s forecast on Canadian air travel decline.D. Industry Questions to Political Parties: Read it here A recent letter from aviation industry associations, posing key questions to federal political parties.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Open Skies, host Chris Glass welcomes Monica Badra, founder of Aero Next Gen, a trailblazing tech broker bringing digital transformation to the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) space. With a unique background in finance and deep hands-on experience in aerospace, Monica has become the go-to matchmaker connecting legacy aviation problems with next-gen tech solutions.She shares how her company bridges the gap between overwhelmed MRO executives and tech providers—many of whom don’t even come from aviation. Monica explains how dirty data, siloed systems, and decades-old ERPs are holding companies back, and how automation, AI, and tools like co-pilot-style analytics are helping the industry catch up to the modern world.This is a must-listen for MRO leaders, aviation execs, tech startups, and anyone wondering why it still takes 12 weeks to make a decision that should take 12 minutes.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this electrifying episode of The Open Skies Podcast, host Chris Glass sits down with Captain David Deere, a seasoned pilot with an extraordinary aviation career spanning from fighter jets to commercial airliners. Captain Deere shares his journey from flying CF-18s in the Gulf War and intercepting cruise missiles over Alaska to performing high-precision aerobatics with the Snowbirds and Northern Lights Aerobatic Team.Now a Standards Pilot at WestJet, David discusses his work in fuel efficiency, including the implementation of RNP approaches—cutting-edge navigation technology that saves fuel, reduces emissions, and enhances safety. He also delves into sustainability initiatives, and the future of sustainable aviation fuels.This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of precision flying, technology, and environmental responsibility.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this inspiring episode of The Open Skies Podcast, host Chris Glass sits down with Kristina De Marzio, Hope Air’s Manager of Community Engagement, to explore the crucial role of volunteer pilots in providing life-saving travel for patients in need. Kristina shares how Hope Air works with hospitals, social workers, and medical professionals to identify patients facing insurmountable travel barriers and connects them with free flights through generous commercial airline partners and volunteer pilots.With only 41 active volunteer pilots across Canada, Hope Air is actively seeking more aviators to expand their reach in underserved areas like Northern Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Kristina highlights heartwarming patient stories—children seeing their homes from the sky for the first time, families avoiding exhausting multi-day drives, and patients making it home in time for the holidays. This episode is a call to action for pilots and supporters alike, showing how aviation can be a force for good in ensuring healthcare access for all.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In part two of The Open Skies Podcast series on Hope Air, host Chris Glass sits down with Jon Collins, Chief Development Officer, to discuss the ongoing challenge of ensuring that no Canadian is left behind when it comes to accessing medical care. Jon shares his personal connection to Hope Air’s mission and how the organization’s work resonates with families across the country who face financial and logistical barriers to healthcare.With demand for Hope Air’s services continuing to rise—expected to surpass 43,000 travel arrangements this year—Jon explains the importance of funding, airline partnerships, and community support to keep this life-changing service operational. He shares moving patient stories, including families who, without Hope Air, would be forced to take grueling 14-hour drives or sleep in their cars while seeking treatment. This episode highlights how aviation plays a crucial role in healthcare accessibility and why supporting Hope Air isn’t just charitable—it’s essential.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of The Open Skies Podcast, host Chris Glass sits down with Mark Rubinstein, Chief Hope Officer of Hope Air, to discuss the organization’s incredible mission: ensuring that all Canadians, regardless of financial means or geographic location, have access to essential medical care. With a network of commercial airline partners and volunteer pilots, Hope Air provides free flights, accommodations, and travel support for those who would otherwise face insurmountable barriers to receiving medical treatment.Mark shares the inspiring history of Hope Air, from its humble beginnings in 1986 with just 15 flights to now facilitating over 45,000 travel arrangements annually. He also delves into the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of partnerships with airlines like WestJet and Porter, and the growing demand for services as healthcare access disparities widen. This is an eye-opening conversation about the unseen side of air travel—the life-saving journeys happening every day, thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and the aviation industry.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this compelling episode of The Open Skies Podcast, host Chris Glass sits down with aviation leader and soon-to-be bestselling author, Nate Glover, to explore his dynamic career and experiences during one of the industry’s most challenging periods—the COVID-19 pandemic. Nate shares his journey from his beginnings at Continental Airlines and JetBlue, to his time with Norwegian, and finally, his pivotal role at Menzies Aviation in Canada.Nate details the trials of managing operations during the pandemic, including the heartbreaking task of laying off hundreds of employees, navigating ever-changing airline demands, and rebuilding teams from the ground up. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of ground handling operations, the importance of safety and adaptability, and the leadership lessons he learned during a historic crisis.Nate also discusses his debut book, Trust the Process: Navigating Leadership Through the Pandemic, which chronicles his experiences and offers actionable insights for leaders in any industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, aviation, or crisis management.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of The Open Skies Podcast, host Chris Glass welcomes aviation veteran Sandra Pineau-Boddison to discuss her remarkable career spanning decades in airline catering, onboard services, and customer experience. From her humble beginnings managing a cafeteria at Chelsea Catering to becoming Vice President at Continental Airlines and later leading critical roles through the Continental-United merger, Sandra shares stories of iconic cheeseburgers, evolving passenger expectations, and comfort food in the skies. She highlights the challenges of IROPs, aligning cultures during mergers, and delivering seamless customer experiences across regional and international fleets. Now serving as Chair at Intervine, a company specializing in wine, beverages, and snacks for airlines and cruise lines, Sandra discusses how the pandemic reshaped the industry and how Intervine continues to innovate post-COVID. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of the Open Skies Podcast, host Chris Glass sits down with David Hailey, the founder of Countifi, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming inventory management in the airline industry. Drawing on years of experience as an auditor for major airlines like Delta, David shares how he identified inefficiencies in onboard services and turned them into opportunities for improvement. He discusses Countify's innovative approach to counting and analyzing onboard inventory using AI-powered image recognition, which drastically reduces waste and improves accuracy.David dives deep into the challenges airlines face in balancing cost efficiency with customer satisfaction and how Countify is helping solve these problems. From managing catering waste to optimizing menu planning, the insights shared in this episode highlight the critical role technology plays in modern aviation. Whether you're an industry professional or a curious traveler, this conversation sheds light on the fascinating intersection of logistics, sustainability, and innovation in the skies.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Simon Soni, a veteran in the world of airline catering, joins the Open Skies Podcast to take us on an in-depth journey behind the scenes of in-flight dining. With over 30 years of experience at iconic airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad, and WestJet, Simon shares the evolution of airline meals—from basic reheated trays to premium, five-star offerings at 30,000 feet. In this episode, Simon also touches on the future of in-flight service, including the role of AI, the growing demand for customization, and the challenges hybrid airlines face in balancing costs with quality. Whether it’s ensuring a perfect cottage pie or adapting to the rise of shelf-stable meals, Simon's expertise offers a unique glimpse into this often-overlooked facet of aviation. If you've ever wondered how your favorite airline meal came to be or how airlines aim to surprise and delight their passengers, this episode is a must-listen!Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this insightful episode of the Jump Seat Podcast, host Chris Glass is joined by Liz Baring from Embross and Ryan Potter from WestJet to explore the rapidly evolving world of airport self-service technology. The conversation delves into WestJet’s innovative self-serve bag drop, the transition from manual check-ins to mobile-first solutions, and how technologies like AI and biometrics are shaping the future of air travel.With a focus on improving the customer experience and speeding up airport processes, this episode highlights the partnership between WestJet and Embross and their vision for the future of airports. Tune in to learn how these advancements are setting the standard for the industry.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Join us for a captivating journey through the skies as we welcome Charles Duncan, a seasoned veteran of the airline industry, to the Open Skies podcast. Charles's career takes off in 1996 at Continental Airlines, where his innovative approach to pricing and revenue management sets the stage for his future successes. His stories from Guam, with Continental Micronesia, offer a glimpse into the vibrant expansion of tourism and aviation in the Pacific. Charles's hands-on experiences, from observing gate agents to fostering tourism, paint a vivid picture of a dynamic industry. Our conversation soars to Canada as Charles recounts his transformative tenure as President of WestJet Encore. Navigating the vast Canadian geography, building a robust fleet, and engaging with communities across 38 cities, he shares personal anecdotes that highlight the nuances of leading a regional airline. From being recognized for his "American swagger" to pioneering profitability initiatives, these stories underscore the challenges and triumphs of aviation leadership. Learn how a simple post-it note became a tool for innovation as we aimed to enhance fuel efficiency and financial performance. As we confront the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the discussion pivots to the resilience of the airline industry. Charles' at WestJet and Norse Atlantic reveal the strategic maneuvering required to sustain operations amidst unprecedented challenges. Reflecting on Canadian aviation policy, we question the competitive landscape, regulatory frameworks, and the need for reform. The legacy of industry leaders like Ben Baldanza serves as a poignant reminder of the influence and inspiration that drive us forward in this ever-evolving sector. Join us for an insightful exploration of aviation's past, present, and future.Transcript:Chriss GlassHost00:00Hi and welcome to the Open Skies podcast. This is our very first standalone podcast on our own, two feet again, and I am with my guest, charles Duncan. Charles, welcome to the pod.Charles DuncanGuest00:13Chris, thanks for having me. It's great to be here and I love the name Open Skies. Many different meanings and all of them positive. So great to be here. So great to be here.Chriss GlassHost00:22Well, I have fond memories of X1 Get One and moving people around on the old Open Skies platform that we used to use way back in the day. So I have fond memories of the name and that's one of the good reasons why we chose it.Charles DuncanGuest00:37That's awesome.Chriss GlassHost00:38So, charles, you were my absolute first podcast guest on the very first pod that I, the very first version of the pod that we were doing, so I felt it'd be fitting to have you back again for our first standalone on Open Skies.Charles DuncanGuest00:54Well, thank you, I don't think I realized I was your first guest. I mean I remember that very well and I mean, sadly, you had pizza, I think some good Alberta beer. I mean it was an enjoyable evening, I remember it well and anyway. So I'm honored, it's a privilege and I'm excited to see where you take the podcast you know now as an independent Open Skies entity. It's exciting. But thank you, thanks for having me and it's great to join you tonight thank you, thanks for having me and it's great to join you tonight.Chriss GlassHost01:30Well, one of the things we want to do is tell kind of the untold stories behind the industry we love. Right Like you are a lifetime airline guy and you've seen and done it all from low-cost carriers to transaSend us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of the Open Skies Podcast host Chris Glass takes listeners on location to the Abbotsford Airport, where he sits down with Parm Sidhu, the airport's General Manager. Parm shares his incredible journey from a Zamboni driver to the helm of one of Canada's fastest-growing airports.The conversation delves into the unique aspects of Abbotsford Airport, including its history, growth, and innovative approach to becoming an ultra low-cost airport. Parm discusses the airport’s early days, the impact of WestJet, and how Abbotsford has adapted to changes in the aviation industry over the years.Listeners will gain insights into the importance of partnerships, the influence of technology, and how the airport plans to handle future growth without expanding its physical footprint.  Join Chris and Parm for a deep dive into the strategies and innovations that are driving Abbotsford Airport's success and learn how this dynamic airport is setting new standards in the aviation industry.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of the Open Skies Podcast, host Chris Glass sits down with James Wong, Senior Vice President at Menzies, to discuss his fascinating career in aviation. From his early days in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets to pivotal roles at WestJet and his current position leading Menzies’ operations in Southeast Asia, James shares valuable insights into the industry. They explore the evolution of big data in aviation, the challenges of managing global operations, and the growing opportunities in the Southeast Asian market, particularly in cargo. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of aviation and the lessons James has learned from his diverse experiences around the world.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Open Skies host Chris Glass introduces the brand new Podcast " Open Skies". Join us as we share the untold and almost-lost stories from airline + aviation companies worldwide.Send us Fan MailSupport the show