VOL 03 I ISSUE 18 I 2024 V i c t o r Victor Victor P a c h e c o ’ s Pacheco’s Pacheco’s A p p r o a c h t o L e a d e r s h i p Approach to Leadership i n A v i a t i o n in Aviation Approach to Leadership in Aviation N a v i g a t i n g t h e S k i e s : Navigating the Skies: Navigating the Skies: The 10 Most Influen al Aviation & Aerospace LEADERS Industry in the Victor Pacheco Chief Executive Officer Arajet Resurrec ng the Concorde Era The Race for Supersonic Travel Green Skies Sustainable Innova ons in Avia on Fuel Aviation is Proof that Given the will, we have the Capacity to Achieve the Impossible. Aviation is Proof that Given the will, we have the Capacity to Achieve the Impossible. Editor's Note n the vast expanse of the sky, where dreams take I flight and innovation knows no bounds, leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry stand as the architects of tomorrow's possibilities. Their vision, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the industry's future, propelling humanity towards new horizons and beyond. At the heart of this sector, these leaders are not merely pilots of their respective companies; they are pioneers, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. Their influence extends far beyond boardrooms and hangars, reaching into the realms of technology, sustainability, and global connectivity. Innovation lies at the core of their ethos. From revolutionary aircraft designs to cutting-edge propulsion systems, these leaders are driving the industry towards extraordinary levels of efficiency, safety, and performance. They understand that stagnation is not an option in the advancing time. Thus, they foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, encouraging their teams to think boldly and embrace the unknown. Moreover, sustainability is not just a buzzword for these leaders-it's a moral imperative. Recognizing the environmental impact of aviation, they are spearheading initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste, and embrace renewable energy sources. By investing in eco-friendly technologies and practices, they are not only safeguarding the planet but also future-proofing their businesses against regulatory pressures and consumer demands. However, perhaps their greatest contribution lies in their commitment to fostering talent and diversity within the industry. Recognizing that innovation thrives on diversity of thought and perspective, they are championing initiatives to attract and retain a diverse workforce. By breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity, they are ensuring that the aviation and aerospace sector remains a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to soar. As we look to the skies of tomorrow, let us take a moment to appreciate The 10 Most Influential Leaders in the Aviation & Aerospace Industry who are shaping the future of the industry. Their dedication, ingenuity, and passion are transforming the way we travel and explore and are inspiring generations to come. In their hands, the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning of a new chapter in humanity's journey towards progress and discovery. Flip through the pages and have a delightful read! Approaching in Flight to Innovations Anish Miller 14 18 28 Claus Grunow Driving Innovation in Corporate Strategy and Digitalization in the Aviation industry Giuseppe Carusi Pioneering the Future of Underwater Exploration Tim Barber Redefining Aircraft Acquisition Strategies PROFILE PROFILE PROFILE Resurrec ng the Concorde Era The Race for Supersonic Travel 32 Green Skies Sustainable Innova ons in Avia on Fuel 22 A R T I C L E S C X O The Story of Sonja Kohn 26 Victor Pacheco’s Approach to Leadership in Aviation Navigating the Skies C O N T E N TS C OV E R STO RY 08 CONTENT Deputy Editor Anish Miller Managing Editor Katherine Debora DESIGN Visualizer Dave Bates Art & Design Director Davis Mar n Associate Designer Jameson Carl SALES Senior Sales Manager Wilson T., Hunter D. Customer Success Manager Tim Walsh Sales Execu ves Tim, Smith TECHNICAL Technical Head Peter Hayden Technical Consultant Victor Collins March, 2024 Copyright © 2024 CIOLOOK, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmi ed in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from CIOLOOK. Reprint rights remain solely with CIOLOOK. FOLLOW US ON www.facebook.com/ciolook www.twi er.com/ciolook WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON Email info@ciolook.com For Subscrip on www.ciolook.com CONTACT US ON Pooja M Bansal Editor-in-Chief sales@ciolook.com SME-SMO Research Analyst Eric Smith SEO Execu ve Alen Spencer Brief Company Name Claus Grunow VP, Corporate Strategy & Digitalization Claus has been dedicated to driving organizational success through effective strategic planning and execution Bob Criner Co-founder and CEO Bob is a visionary entrepreneur and business leader, known for his strategic acumen and passion for innovation. Stralis Aircraft (YC W23) stralis.aero Fraport AG fraport.com Antoine Rostworowski Senior Vice President, Programmes and Commercial Services Antoine plays a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and overseeing commercial operations for the organization. Airport council International aci.aero Giuseppe Carusi Founder and CEO Under Giuseppe's leadership, the company has achieved significant milestones and garnered recognition for its groundbreaking solutions and services. iSpace2o Srl ispace2o.com Mohamed Rahma Director of Air Transport Bureau Mohamed's dedication to excellence and commitment to innovation have earned him recognition as a trusted authority in air transport management. International Civil Aviation Organization icao.int Featured Person Tim Barber Aircraft Sales and Acquisition From market analysis and valuation to negotiation and closing, Tim is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and successful experience for his clients. Steve Armitage Head of Technology Design & Innovations Steve has been dedicated to driving positive change through technology, with a focus on delivering impactful solutions that address real-world challenges. Heathrow heathrow.com Duncan Aviation duncanaviation.aero Sonja Kohn Founder Sonja emerges as a pivotal figure with a rich history of pioneering contributions. BESTFIT Ltd. bestfithi.com Victor Pacheco CEO Víctor continues to lead the organization with integrity, passion, and a relentless drive for success, positioning it for continued growth and excellence in the years to come. Arajet arajet.com Sue-anne Munckton CEO and Business and Training Manager Sue's collaborative approach and focus on employee development have earned her recognition as a trusted leader and mentor in the organization. Civil Aviation Academy Pty Ltd caaa.com.au V i c t o r P a c h e c o ’ s Approach to Leadership in Aviation Navigating the Skies My influence in the aviation industry is centered on encouraging the democratization of the skies in the whole American continent while also promoting a culture of innovation, safety and excellence at the best market prices. Cover Story Victor Pacheco Chief Executive Officer Arajet V ictor Pacheco stands as a pioneer in the aviation industry’s ongoing mission for accessibility and affordability. Nearly a decade ago, confronted with sky-high airfares and limited travel options for Dominicans, Victor embarked on a bold quest to reshape the landscape of air travel. His determination stemmed from the stark reality of pricey tickets and his family’s deep-rooted ties to financial services within the Dominican diaspora. Despite facing initial doubts from investors even within his own family, Victor pressed on undeterred. Fueled by meticulous research and resolve, his vision for a budget-friendly connecting airline in the Dominican Republic persisted. To be precise, his efforts bore fruit in August 2015, when Victor received certifications from the Instituto Dominicano de Aviación Civil (IDAC) and the Junta de Aviación Civil (JAC) to launch flying operations. This milestone marked the beginning of his journey as a resolute leader in the Dominican aviation sector. By June 28, 2017, Victor took on the role of Chief Executive Officer at Arajet , pioneering the establishment of the country’s first low-cost carrier. In November 2021, Victor expanded his influence beyond Arajet, taking on the role of Chairman at Laytrip, Inc. —a global layaway travel provider facilitating real- time flight and hotel bookings worldwide. Throughout his career, Victor’s commitment to innovation and growth has remained untiring. During Arajet’s launch ceremony on March 14, 2022, he announced a strategic partnership with Bain Capital and Griffin Global Asset Management, reinforcing Arajet’s mission to revolutionize air travel in the Dominican Republic and beyond. Join the tale of leadership that exemplifies resilience, innovation and a relentless pursuit of democratizing air travel for millions of travelers! Shared Leadership Strategies Approaching leadership in the aviation and aerospace sector demands a nuanced perspective. Victor reflects, “ In my experience, it’s about fostering a top-tier team to accomplish our objectives .” He acknowledges the multifaceted nature of the industry and recognizes the impossibility for any individual to possess every requisite skill. “ Shared leadership is my mantra ,” he emphasizes. “ I believe in assembling a talented team, each proficient in their respective roles, to collectively propel us towards success .” Victor’s approach underscores the collaborative essence essential for navigating the complexities of aviation. It’s not merely about individual prowess but harnessing collective expertise towards common goals. His philosophy resonates beyond aviation and advocates for inclusive leadership styles adaptable to diverse fields. Victor epitomizes the essence of collaborative leadership, steering his team towards excellence in the skies and beyond. Connecting Continents “ At Arajet, our mission transcends mere business objectives ,” Victor affirms. “ We’re dedicated to democratizing the skies across the American continent .” With fervor, he speaks of instilling a culture marked by innovation, safety and excellence, all while maintaining competitive prices. This aspiration, once his personal dream, now galvanizes the entire Arajet team. “ We’re committed to making travel accessible to everyone ,” he declares. Victor envisions transforming the Dominican Republic into the premier connecting hub of the Americas. It’s not just about strategic geography—it’s about the warmth, professionalism and exceptional customer experience offered by the people. He believes Arajet is As a leader, I bet on transparency and direct and open communication to ensure that every team member understands how important their roles are to our passenger’s safety and the success of Arajet. poised to set a new benchmark for excellence in the industry. Through firm dedication to their lofty standards, Arajet is primed to lead by example, setting a course for unparalleled service in the aviation sector. With Victor’s vision at the helm, Arajet isn’t just flying planes; they’re shaping the future of air travel. Safety First The aviation realm requires navigating complexity demands transparency and clear communication. Victor asserts, “ Every team member at Arajet plays a crucial role in ensuring passenger safety and our company’s success .” He champions an open office format at headquarters fostering a familial atmosphere where connections flourish. Victor’s emphasis on transparency underscores his commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, vital components in the aviation industry’s intricate landscape. By prioritizing direct and open communication, he cultivates a sense of shared responsibility and purpose among team members. In Victor’s vision, every individual contributes to the collective mission ensuring Arajet’s continued dedication to safety and excellence in the skies. Curiosity Fuels Progress Innovation thrives on curiosity. Victor affirms, “ At Arajet, we foster a culture where every team member is empowered to contribute ideas .” Through collaborative efforts including brainstorming sessions and partnerships, Arajet remains at the forefront of emerging technologies and trends. Victor’s emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation ensures their business model evolves to meet the needs of the ever-changing aviation landscape. By embracing a mindset of curiosity and encouraging staff involvement at all levels, Arajet is introducing innovative solutions and sustainable growth in the industry. Mutual Success Effective stakeholder relationships hinge on proactive engagement and mutual respect. Victor notes, “ Our focus is on shared goals and a commitment to mutual success .” He stresses the importance of trust and long- term rapport in the aviation sector. “ Partnerships must be built on integrity and accountability ,” he emphasizes. Victor’s approach underscores the significance of transparent and principled interactions with stakeholders. By prioritizing trust and mutual benefit, Arajet cultivates enduring relationships vital for navigating the complexities of the aviation industry. Flying Green “ Sustainability is ingrained in Arajet’s identity ,” Victor asserts. “ From naming our aircraft after natural parks to investing in fuel-efficient technology, we prioritize eco- conscious practices .” Arajet boasts one of Latin America’s most efficient fleets, with Boeing 737 8 MAX aircraft equipped with ultra-quiet CFM LEAP-1B engines. Victor highlights the substantial environmental benefits: “ Our new fleet emits 350,000 metric tons less CO2 and saves over 250 million pounds of fuel annually .” Continuous improvement is key—Arajet implements measures for operational efficiency, including daily flight plans based on updated data to minimize emissions. Through these initiatives, Arajet not only reduces its environmental footprint but also promotes sustainable tourism internationally. Victor’s commitment to sustainability underscores Arajet’s role as a responsible steward in the aviation industry, setting a precedent for eco-friendly practices that benefit both passengers and the planet. Cultivating Talent, Elevating Aviation Arajet is revolutionizing aviation in the Dominican Republic. Led by seasoned professionals from top airlines worldwide, we foster a culture of knowledge transfer and opportunity. Victor envisions a virtuous cycle wherein aviation becomes an example of opportunity in the Dominican Republic. “ Our goal is to empower Dominican professionals to rise through the ranks ,” he affirms. Arajet’s commitment to nurturing local talent ensures that the aviation sector My dream is to generate a virtuous cycle of knowledge transfer in the Dominican Republic, transforming aviation into a sector synonymous with opportunity. not only thrives but also becomes a vehicle for upward mobility and success. By investing in its people, Arajet not only elevates the industry but also paves the way for a brighter future for aviation in the Dominican Republic. Weathering the Storm “ Resilience is the name of the game ,” Victor asserts. “ Building Arajet over nine years instilled in us a commitment to overcoming challenges .” He highlights the team’s resilience and adaptability in navigating uncertainties. Victor emphasizes, “ We prioritize scenario planning and risk management to minimize disruptions .” Arajet’s culture fosters cost efficiency without compromising quality, laying a robust foundation to weather potential downturns. Victor’s dedication to surpassing obstacles underscores Arajet’s steadfastness in the volatile aviation sector. By embracing resilience and proactive measures, Arajet not only survives but thrives amidst complexity. This resilience is a guiding principle that ensures Arajet’s longevity and success in the face of adversity. Communication in the Clouds Victor reflects. “ I’m a leader in progress, always seeking challenges and learning opportunities .” He underscores the importance of effective communication in the safety-focused aviation industry. He asserts that openness, empathy and transparency are crucial. Victor’s commitment to continuous growth and clear communication ensures a strong foundation for leadership in the aviation sector. By prioritizing these qualities, he fosters trust and collaboration within his team driving success and safety in the skies. The Sky’s the Limit “ Democratizing the skies is my goal ,” Victor reiterates. “ Making air travel accessible and safe across America .” This succinctly captures his overarching mission in the aviation sector—to expand access to safe and reliable air travel for all. Claus Grunow VP of Corporate Strategy & Digitaliza on Fraport AG www.ciolook.com | March 2024 | 14 Claus Grunow Driving Innovation in Corporate Strategy and Digitalization in the Aviation industry ntering the realm of corporate strategy and E transformation, Claus Grunow , VP of Corporate Strategy & Digitalization at Fraport AG , brings a wealth of experience carved from years of dynamic roles within the transportation industry. Commencing his journey at Deutsche Bahn AG in 2005, he quickly ascended through the ranks by spearheading pivotal projects in quality and innovation management. By 2010, his strategic acumen led him to the helm of Deutsche Bahn’s global growth strategy heading major M&A endeavors and overseeing the realignment of substantial business units. Transitioning to Deutsche Bahn Connect GmbH in 2014, Claus embarked on a transformative mission of revitalizing the new mobility sector with innovative strategies and initiatives. Under his leadership, the division reversed its financial trajectory and also birthed two successful spin-offs propelling the com- pany into new realms of success and influence. In 2019, Fraport welcomed Claus into its fold, entrust- ing him with the monumental task of fortifying the company’s digital maturity amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With firm determination, Claus and his team have fostered a robust ecosystem of over 800 partners, driving rapid innovation across all facets of Fraport’s global operations. Additionally, he has championed a cultural shift towards agile corporate management while nurturing talent within his team and paving the way for a future brimming with strategic foresight and innovation. On a mission of strategic innovation and digital transforma- tion, let’s dive into an exclusive interview with Claus uncovering the future of transportation and corporate strategy! Tell us more about your company and its mission and vision. Fraport AG is a leading global airport operator and service company based in Germany. The company has a significant international presence with investments and operations in 30 airports around the world. Fraport AG also provides a range of airport-related services, including ground handling, retail and real estate management, along with security services. With Frankfurt Airport, Fraport operates one of the busiest and most important airports in Europe. Fraport is known for its focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly airport operations and is committed to delivering high-quality services to passengers and airlines. Only recently, we introduced our new corporate strategy named ‘ Fraport.2030 .’ The realignment of our group strategy includes the introduction of a new corporate slogan— Connecting the world with tomorrow . It reflects the shift in our group strategy and provides a new emotional umbrella for the same. Serving as a mission statement, the slogan constitutes a pledge that clearly and memorably reflects our commitment. Its language, message and visual design highlight the Fraport Group’s values and international identity. In the future, we will see ourselves even more strongly as a large community that is united by a common understanding—At Fraport, we s ck together across all divisions and Group companies and support each other. ““ www.ciolook.com | March 2024 | 15 In response to political, economic, and societal trends, the aviation industry is evolving more than ever before. Customers now expect airport operators to maintain outstanding infrastructure with exacting standards of security, efficient and digitalized processes, along with convincing products and services. Society, investors and policymakers are also stepping up their demands for our industry to make tangible contributions to protecting the climate and environment. Last but not least, there is a shortage of workers across all roles and qualifications, particularly—airport operators are impacted by this. The resulting strategic challenges make it necessary to update the group’s strategy. With Fraport.2030, we are therefore laying the groundwork for addressing future strategic challenges, seizing opportunities and ensuring our enterprise’s future viability. What methodologies do you implement that contribute to new growth opportunities? Our corporate group’s Fraport.2030 strategy contains fundamental decisions on the direction in which we want to head. It is aimed at sustainably safeguarding the future and profitably growing our business. In addition to pointing the way for the long-term development of our business, the new Fraport.2030 group strategy also addresses the changed expectations that customers have regarding the products and services of a globally leading airport operator. We therefore regard it as a shared and overarching task to ensure a pleasant passenger journey for our customers. This goal is reflected in our three main strategic priorities—growth and sustainability, innovation and efficiency, and being an employer of choice. Our group’s further cultural evolution will also play an important role in attaining our strategic aims while emphasizing the strategic dimension of working together within our mission. By defining these focuses for our long-term corporate development, we are making it clear that we don’t regard growth and sustainability as contradictory aims but rather as inseparable prerequisites for our future success. To further contribute to the group’s growth, Fraport is also sticking with proven methodologies like our Open Pitch Day which serves as a public application and pitching project to give various providers the opportunity to present their ideas and use cases for our Fraport airports. The format was developed to drive forward future innovations in all areas of the company and thus improve our competitive position. The winning technologies from the Open Pitch Day will begin a project with Fraport AG’s Digital Factory. The Digital Factory is a virtual organizational unit comprised of digitalization and technical experts. It works to further develop digitalization at Fraport and to promote digital transformation throughout all of our customer processes. Using our knowledge in combination with new solutions and opportunities to create the future of aviation, we hope to successfully contribute to new growth opportunities. What strategies do you implement to promote gender diversity for various leadership positions at your company? Numerous studies have shown that mixed male and female management teams benefit businesses, Fraport therefore aims to appoint more women to executive www.ciolook.com | March 2024 | 16 roles. The goal is to appoint a minimum proportion of 30 percent of women to senior management roles. The current figures show that we ended the 2021 fiscal year with 27.1% of women at the first and second reporting levels of the Group (at Frankfurt Airport), meaning that we have not yet achieved our target. To promote gender diversity, an extended package of measures and the new Group-wide program ‘ Empowering Leaders ’ are shining a light on female employees in particular, to encourage them to apply for executive roles. Male employees and fathers in management are also being supported—for instance, if they want to take on more family responsibility. These initiatives promote and strengthen not just diversity at Fraport AG, but our entire corporate culture. Within the Corporate Strategy team, we are committed to diversity and have a female quota of 50%. I am also personally involved as a mentor in various programs that serve to promote young female employees. What values do you incorporate to enhance the work culture of your company? For us, it is all about our values—Competence and reliability, in combination with commitment, openness, courage, and trust mark the heart of our work and success. Strong cooperation is the most important lever. The successful implementation of the new Group strategy Fraport.2030 also requires further development of our working methods as part of our corporate culture. In the future, we will see ourselves even more strongly as a large community that is united by a common understanding—At Fraport, we stick together across all divisions and Group companies and support each other. Only by working together, we can achieve our aspirations and goals! What, according to you, could be the next significant change in your sector? How are you preparing for the change? The most important strategic challenges in the aviation industry are growing customer expectations, increased relevance of sustainability and a tense labor market situation. Fraport will embrace these challenges and promote commitment to change, especially demographic change can be a catalyst for innovation. From a customer perspective, the use of Artificial Intelligence is likely to significantly change the travel experience at the airport. It is quite conceivable that a completely contactless and touchless travel process will be possible in the future. Biometric baggage drop- off and biometric passage through certain checkpoints are already possible today. Further, technical innovations will help to initially reduce waiting times and eventually eliminate waiting times altogether. The customer experience can thus be individualized and raised to a new level. With this course of action, we are making Fraport ready for a successful future! Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run and what are your future goals for your company? In 2030, we will impress our customers across all categories with our products, services and effective innovations while ensuring that passengers at all of our airports are delighted with our excellent service and quality. Our operations will be characterized by smooth, frictionless processes allowing us to work much more efficiently. Additionally, we will have evolved into a truly international group with a culture, mindset and knowledge-sharing that reflect our global reach. In the future, we will also be recognized as one of the most attractive employers in the aviation industry fostering a management culture based on mutual trust, curiosity and performance recognition. Furthermore, we will be the company with the world’s best know-how for operating climate-friendly airports achieving financial success, robustness and stability while growing profitably. We will have successfully expanded our international business, acting sustainably and considering ourselves as part of each region in which we operate. www.ciolook.com | March 2024 | 17 Don’t shy away from chalenges. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. Overcoming obstacles will only make you more resilient and capable. Giuseppe Carusi Founder & CEO iSpace2o www.ciolook.com | March 2024 | 18