Calibrate 03 – Elevating People: Skills, Progression & Leadership in Aviation
Release Date: 04/28/2025
The EVA podcast
The world has not felt this scary since the 1980s, when the Cold War suddenly became frigid. A new war against Iran, fermented over decades of distrust and now encouraged to spill over into armed conflict, has inevitably brought disruption to the Middle East and as far away as Cyprus. Global transport hubs, including airports, have taken missile and drone hits, threatening civilians and the region’s key business and VIP aviation infrastructure. We have also seen a bizarre presidential proclamation aimed at Canada’s civilian aircraft regulator thrust business aviation unexpectedly into the...
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In the Spring 2026 edition of Airside International, we bring you the latest innovations in the GSE industry, including developments in pushback tractors, apron buses, aircraft washing, and second-hand equipment. Across these markets, one development in particular is coming to the fore as the year begins: electrification. Electric GSE offers numerous advantages; in particular, its long-term cost savings, quieter operation and environmental benefits have prompted airports and ground handlers to accelerate electrification of their fleets. We hear from several manufacturers about how they are...
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In the turbulence and uncertainty of the past 12 months, some new patterns have emerged, while certain old trends, tendencies and truths have been further highlighted, underlined and reinforced – or in some cases, left behind. Many of these are illustrated in the accounts of air cargo industry experts and senior stakeholders within the Outlook 2026 Report within this magazine (pages 4-49). Senior industry leaders from freight forwarding companies, carriers, airports, cargo handlers, technology specialists, associations, and other organisations describe their recent experiences and how they...
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We’re kicking off 2026 with a very special guest: Denis Duarte, VP of Cargo Development at Fraport. Dennis isn’t just a powerhouse in the cargo world; he’s also an old friend and a true industry visionary. We dive into his journey, the big leaps happening in air freight, and how Frankfurt Airport is gearing up to be a game-changer in e-commerce and digitalisation. Join us as Denis shares his passion for building a next-level cargo community and what it means to shape the future of airport logistics. Whether you’re in the industry or just curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of...
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In this episode, Chris is joined by Desiree Perez, Founder & MD of Desiree Perez Coaching & Consulting, from Florida. With nearly 20 years in aviation, Desiree shares powerful insights on leadership, people development, culture, and why so many organisations face the same challenges around engagement, turnover, and performance. We discuss generational shifts in the workforce, fear-based leadership, the importance of attitude over CVs, and how operations, strategy, and people must work together. Desiree also introduces Skypulse, an innovative platform designed to support recruitment,...
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A further raft of recent aircraft orders illustrates there is no let-up in airlines positioning themselves to meet long-term travel demand. To some extent it is a product of the timelines of manufacturer backlogs, which make securing fresh narrowbody capacity before the next decade challenging, and even more so for widebodies. But while the rationale for the bulk of orders is now around securing delivery slots into the 2030s, there was a nuance to some of the eye-catching deals unveiled during November’s Dubai Airshow. Take Emirates' follow-on order for 65 more Boeing 777-9s. On the one...
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This extraordinary year continues to deliver new surprises for the air cargo sector and the world alike, particularly in the field of cross-border e-commerce logistics. As highlighted in our E-commerce Report on page 4, higher US tariffs and the end of US ‘de minimis’ exemptions have had a profound impact on e-commerce flows, prompting a significant shift in China-US freighter capacity to other markets globally. An initial steep decline in air freight volumes from China to the US has subsequently moderated, although it is still significant – especially from Hong Kong and southern China. ...
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In this Unilode Series episode, host Chris Notter speaks with Ziaad Hussain, Vice President of Business Development at Unilode Aviation Solutions. Ziaad shares his journey from ground handling to global asset management, reflecting on the power of teamwork, consistency, and digital transformation. With genuine passion, he explains how Unilode’s people, culture, and vision drive innovation and success across the aviation industry.
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In this episode of the Unilode Series, host Chris Notter talks with Kiren Chheena , Director of Business Analytics, about how data and digital innovation are transforming aviation. Kieran explains how Unilode builds trust in data, enhances transparency, and turns analytics into real-world action for smarter, safer operations.
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In this third episode of the Inside Unilode series, Chris Notter speaks with Steve Williams, Chief ESG & QHSC Officer, about how Unilode integrates quality assurance, safety, and sustainability across its global operations. Steve shares insights on maintaining industry-leading standards, improving ULD handling culture, and driving genuine sustainability that supports both safety and profitability in aviation.
info_outlineIn this engaging third episode of the EVA podcast series, host Chris is joined by Andy Clemson, founder and director of Calibrate Learning & Technology, for a deep dive into one of aviation’s most pressing challenges—attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
With insights drawn from global experience, Andy shares why people skills are the true engine of the aviation industry and how organizations can better support career progression. From extreme working conditions to leadership development, the conversation highlights the need for structured career pathways, competency-based training, and the importance of workplace culture.
They also explore the role of supervisors as the backbone of operational success, the balance between practical experience and fresh industry perspectives, and how businesses can create an agile, motivated workforce. With a focus on real-world impact, Andy and Chris discuss how smart training models can reduce costs, improve retention, and build a stronger aviation future.