Phil Washington is set to come under scrutiny from Denver City Council, at the next stage of his candidacy to become the CEO of Denver International Airport in Colorado.
As reported by local newspaper The Denver Post, Mr Washington’s career accomplishments, including in both transportation and the United States military, stand out; however, it has also been noted that he has no prior experience in the aviation sector.

Major responsibility for one of the country’s busiest airports

Denver International Airport, known locally as DIA, is one of the United States’ key aviation hubs, and the largest airport in North America by land area. The role that Mr Washington is bidding to take on is therefore a hugely influential one in the aerospace sector.

Sure enough, Mr Washington brings to his candidacy a prominent national profile from the wider transportation industry, and far-reaching connections – albeit, not from the aviation sector itself.

The newspaper observed that recent airport leaders in Miami and Chicago had come from city administrative or legal backgrounds.

However, both Mr Washington and the man who nominated him, Mayor Michael Hancock, have talked up the relevance of his almost 21-year career in public transportation management in Denver and Los Angeles, including as CEO at the Regional Transportation District (RTD).

A track record that promises much for DIA

Most recently, the 63-year-old served for six years as the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or LA Metro’s CEO, finishing his stint there this spring. Before that, he was in the Army for over two decades, before moving on to RTD.

Mr Washington has said that his work experiences have touched on multiple modes of transportation, including public transit and highway improvements, as well as discussions about freight movement and aviation. In 2020, he also led then-President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team for transportation issues.

He commented: “I interacted with the [Federal Aviation Administration] and airports around the country in evaluating the state of the US Department of Transportation.”
The nominee has also referred to his track record in launching large construction projects at both RTD and LA Metro. This is potentially highly relevant experience, given DIA’s ongoing $3.5 billion capital program that has been subject to delays, scale-backs and cost overruns.

He said of the DIA initiatives: “The first thing is we’ve got to move… these projects forward. I think I bring [an outside perspective], along with the ability to engage and understand aviation very quickly.”

If approved by the full council in its vote on 12th July, Mr Washington would replace Kim Day, who will retire on 16th July after 13 years in charge.

To learn more about TARCG’s own well-honed and in-depth executive search expertise and how we could assist your organisation with the fulfilment of its growth objectives in the aviation sector, please enquire today to our professional and experienced team.

The aviation executive search firm TARCG is now certified by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), as it seeks to continue making best practice in the industry.

TARCG, otherwise known as The Aviation Recruitment & Consulting Group Ltd, has become an approved Corporate Member of the REC, having satisfied the organisation’s extensive membership criteria and committed to its Code of Professional Practice.

It represents the latest stage of TARCG’s evolution as a leader in aviation executive search committed to delivering the best-quality service through collaborations and partnerships.

How significant is membership of the REC?

The REC is a powerful body representing the voice of the recruitment industry, driving standards and supporting recruitment businesses’ efforts to better serve their clients and candidates.

A recruitment agency displaying the REC logo has long been an indication of its quality, given that this signals the business has passed the REC’s Compliance Test and adheres to its Code of Professional Practice.

Taking steps to become an approved REC member was therefore a natural course of action for TARCG, which is always striving to set new standards in its provision of temporary, permanent and headhunting hiring solutions.

A partnership for sustained success in the recruitment sector

Corporate membership of the REC is sought-after among recruitment agencies for various reasons. These range from the legal advice and strategic guidance the organisation provides, right through to the body’s essential business tools and its influence in speaking up for recruiters, drawing upon its relationships across government.

Being an REC Corporate member, for instance, entitles TARCG access to the organisation’s team of capable and experienced specialists in recruitment law, along with a comprehensive library of template contacts, policies and legal guides in relation to every aspect of employment law.

The REC also supports members in coming together to form an industry consensus on relevant issues, in addition to providing help to members to ensure they practise high standards of compliance. A wide range of business services, too, is available to members, including but not limited to auditing services, mentoring, and consultancy.

With membership of the REC dependent on complying with the body’s stringent criteria, and the organisation’s network now encompassing over 3,300 recruitment firms and 10,500 individual recruiters, it is clear that REC certification will be a potent driver of TARCG’s continued success.

To find out more about TARCG’s expertise and solutions as an REC-certified aerospace executive recruiter, whether as a candidate or client, please contact our industry specialists today.

The aviation executive search firm TARCG is now certified by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), as it seeks to continue making best practice in the industry.

TARCG, otherwise known as The Aviation Recruitment & Consulting Group Ltd, has become an approved Corporate Member of the REC, having satisfied the organisation’s extensive membership criteria and committed to its Code of Professional Practice.

It represents the latest stage of TARCG’s evolution as a leader in aviation executive search committed to delivering the best-quality service through collaborations and partnerships.

How significant is membership of the REC?

The REC is a powerful body representing the voice of the recruitment industry, driving standards and supporting recruitment businesses’ efforts to better serve their clients and candidates.

A recruitment agency displaying the REC logo has long been an indication of its quality, given that this signals the business has passed the REC’s Compliance Test and adheres to its Code of Professional Practice.

Taking steps to become an approved REC member was therefore a natural course of action for TARCG, which is always striving to set new standards in its provision of temporary, permanent and headhunting hiring solutions.

A partnership for sustained success in the recruitment sector

Corporate membership of the REC is sought-after among recruitment agencies for various reasons. These range from the legal advice and strategic guidance the organisation provides, right through to the body’s essential business tools and its influence in speaking up for recruiters, drawing upon its relationships across government.

Being an REC Corporate member, for instance, entitles TARCG access to the organisation’s team of capable and experienced specialists in recruitment law, along with a comprehensive library of template contacts, policies and legal guides in relation to every aspect of employment law.

The REC also supports members in coming together to form an industry consensus on relevant issues, in addition to providing help to members to ensure they practise high standards of compliance. A wide range of business services, too, is available to members, including but not limited to auditing services, mentoring, and consultancy.

With membership of the REC dependent on complying with the body’s stringent criteria, and the organisation’s network now encompassing over 3,300 recruitment firms and 10,500 individual recruiters, it is clear that REC certification will be a potent driver of TARCG’s continued success.

To find out more about TARCG’s expertise and solutions as an REC-certified aerospace executive recruiter, whether as a candidate or client, please contact our industry specialists today.

Helicopter operator Halo has placed an order for 200 of Eve’s Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, due for delivery in 2026.

The order is one of the largest yet made for commercial eVTOL aircraft, and comes after Halo was formed by combining two existing helicopter charter firms: Halo in the UK and Associated Aircraft Group (AAG) in the United States.

Half of the ordered vehicles are expected to be used for US-based operations, while the remaining 100 will operate in the UK.

The background of Eve and its eVTOL innovation

Eve is a subsidiary of the Brazilian aerospace conglomerate, Embraer. Last autumn saw it spun out of the EmbraerX incubator, with a view to the continued development of its eVTOL aircraft.

Business aviation group Directional Aviation acquired Halo and AAG earlier this year. Halo will initially operate a charter fleet of Agusta / Leonardo AW109 and AW169 helicopters prior to the introduction of the eVTOLs.

The Eve aircraft accommodates four passengers, and is said to have a planned range of 60 miles (100 kilometres). Embraer has stated it will be 80% quieter than existing helicopters.

Last July, engineers used an Eve engineering simulator to conduct the first flight; this was followed in October by the unveiling of a number of concept drawings for the eVTOL. Eve is also collaborating with another Embraer subsidiary - Atech - on the development of an urban air traffic management system.

“A phenomenal vertical mobility platform”

Directional Aviation principal Kenneth Ricci commented: “Bringing together two companies, which are leading providers of vertical lift and urban mobility services in two of the most important markets, will create a phenomenal vertical mobility platform.

“In placing this order for a revolutionary breakthrough in urban air mobility, we are advancing toward safe, efficient and sustainable travel in and between our cities.

“eVTOL urban air mobility is the greatest opportunity, and the greatest challenge, I have seen in my 40 years in aviation, and Eve is positioned to make it a reality.

“We believe Eve has designed an aircraft that not only is well-prepared for initial certification but also has a proven track record of production.

“The outstanding lineage of aircraft design, certification and production that Embraer brings to this aircraft positions Eve with significant advantages in the competitive landscape.”

Make TARCG your primary port of call for helicopter contract recruitment

As a recruitment agency geared to the specialised requirements of the aerospace, defence and space sectors, TARCG is strongly placed to provide helicopter contract recruitment expertise and solutions to a broad range of clients and candidates.

Reach out to us at any of our international offices to explore the possibilities for how we could work together and help you realise your aspirations in aviation, whether as an organisation or individual.

Danish aircraft maintenance specialists Skyways Technics have confirmed that they will expand their regional Asia-Pacific hub at Subang Airport in Malaysia, with full-fledged end-to-end facilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

This follows the company signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

“A prominent international player”

Randhill Singh, head of MAHB’s KLIA Aeropolis subsidiary, said the international aerospace firm was interested in establishing line and base air frame MRO hangar, component repair workshops, parts distribution centre, and aircraft on ground (AOG) services within the Asia-Pacific region.

He commented: “Skyways Technics is a prominent international player in the industry for turboprop (ATR) and regional aircraft maintenance.

“Skyways Technics’ intention to continually expand its capabilities and grow in Southeast Asia is in complete alignment with our Subang Airport Regeneration strategy, which seeks to position Subang Airport as the hub for turboprops in Asia-Pacific and meets the demands of ATR maintenance in the region.”

Randhill added that the region’s MRO activities were primed for 150% growth over the coming decade, totalling US$21.7 billion.

Big ambitions for Asia-Pacific aviation

Skyways Technics has 30 years’ experience in the maintenance of regional aircraft such as ATR, as well as aircraft component MRO solutions and spare parts support.

The Sønderborg, Denmark-based company established its Asian headquarters at Subang Airport back in 2014, albeit with only a component repair workshop.

Randhill said that the continued relationship between Skyways Technics and the airport – which served as the main airport for Kuala Lumpur until the opening of Kuala Lumpur International Airport in 1998 – marked MAHB’s commitment to further strengthening Subang Airport’s status as a regional airport and aerospace hub.

He added that it also indicated how confident leading global aerospace players such as Skyways Technics were to expand on an existing presence at the airport.

“Subang Airport is more than ready to host Skyways Technics Group’s expanded regional Asia-Pacific hub that will leverage on ATR operators and MRO Centres, allowing it to cater to the region’s demand,” he stated.

Providing leading solutions in aviation recruitment

Are you a prospective client or candidate seeking to work with an international aviation-focused recruitment agency, providing services ranging from permanent hiring to MRO contract recruitment?

If so, don’t hesitate to reach out to the TARCG team for a more in-depth discussion of your requirements, by phone or email.

The Italian aerospace and defence group Leonardo has recorded a healthy increase in revenues for the first three months of this year, despite lower business in aerostructures.

A nearly 8% rise in revenues was recorded, at €2.79 billion ($3.36 billion), compared to the equivalent period in 2020, despite a slowdown in sales of ATR turboprops and Boeing 787 fuselages.

Profits, meanwhile, went up by 132% to €95 million. All in all, the figures demonstrate how aerospace manufacturers with a broad portfolio have been able to take advantage of the defence market to weather some of the coronavirus crisis’s adverse impacts on the airline sector.

What else do we learn from Leonardo’s latest numbers?

In a development of inevitable interest to many of those seeking aviation consulting for HR professionals, Leonardo revealed that revenues at its European defence electronics business and its US DRS subsidiary – which it had been trying to partly spin off, only to cancel an initial public offering in March – went up by about a tenth.

The European arm, however, saw an order bounce of nearly 80%, partly because of a contract for radars for Germany’s Eurofighter combat aircraft, as well as domestic deals in the cybersecurity and submarine sectors.

Leonardo’s aerostructures operations have been significantly hit by a major fall in the deliveries of civil aircraft since the second half of 2020 – the firm co-owns ATR with Airbus, and assembles the fuselages in Italy, in addition to being one of the 787 programme’s key suppliers.

Meanwhile, there was only a slight decline in revenues for the aeronautics division – the one-time Alenia Aeronautics – as a rise in deliveries for military programmes compensated for the aerostructures struggles. Leonardo supplies wings for the Lockheed Martin F-35, for example.

Furthermore, the division saw a year-on-year increase in new orders “thanks to the finalisation of a major contract for the export of M-346 aircraft.”

Revenues for helicopters also rose by 12.5%.

Leonardo CEO Alessandro Profumo said the results were in line with expectations, commenting: “Our solid military and governmental business offset the impact of the COVID pandemic on the civil side.”

Realise your objectives for aviation recruitment with TARCG

When your organisation is seeking temporary, permanent and headhunting hiring solutions in relation to the aerospace, defence and space sectors, and comprehensive aviation consulting for HR professionals, there’s no need to look further than TARCG.

Our personable and informed specialists are available to talk; simply reach out to us at your nearest TARCG office now.

The specialist in MRO services for business and regional aircraft, Jet Maintenance Solutions (Jet MS), has announced its opening of a new line maintenance station at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, France, in another development of interest to those engaged in business aviation recruiting.

Describing the site as the leading airport in Europe for private aircraft takeoffs for over two years, Jet MS said the move would enable it to broaden its reach and offer its extensive portfolio of services to an ever-greater client base.

The company said that more than 2,050 recorded departures for private aircraft had taken place at Nice in 2020, and that it was the most active airport for business aviation aircraft in 2019 and 2020.

The firm stated that it was building on its more than 10 years’ experience in the MRO industry, with a further step in its global expansion that would allow it to boost its presence in markets around the world.

What else do we know about Jet MS’s growth plans?

Jet MS has already established a dedicated line maintenance operations team, consisting of engineers, business development officials and sales managers, in support of commercial procedures.

In addition, the business said that it would provide surrounding airports – in Cannes, Marseille and Toulon – with mobile repair team (MRT) services, benefitting both current and future clients.

Vytis Zalimas, CEO at Jet MS, commented: “By opening our doors to new clients in this picturesque city of the French Riviera, we are entering a new and demand-heavy market.

“Having had over 2,050 movements even during the pandemic in 2020, the airport shows a strong demand for sophisticated private aircraft infrastructure.

“With a combination of our knowhow, globally acclaimed reputation and leading balance of cost-effectiveness and quality, we are sure to have a strong foothold in this market.

“By being a part of Avia Solutions Group, which includes FL Technics, a global one-stop shop for MRO solutions boasting a portfolio of over 70 line stations across the globe, our shared knowhow will allow us to reach our full potential when conducting line maintenance procedures at our station in Nice.

“With the successful beginning of operations at this location, we are already looking at more potential business aviation centres and FBO organisations where we could offer our services.”

The company is positioned to undertake routine checks and provide AOG support to business and regional aircraft. It is looking to expand its operations and satisfy market demand through the establishment of new line maintenance stations in lucrative locations for business aviation.

Among Jet MS’s other plans, for example, is the opening of a new line maintenance station in London, UK, early this autumn.

To find out more about how TARCG could assist your organisation with its own business aviation recruiting campaigns in 2021 and beyond, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any of our offices around the world.

The leading aviation & MRO recruiting firm, TARCG, is pleased to announce its appointment of the highly experienced David Doherty in a role as non-executive director.

While David’s new role at TARCG marks his first direct involvement in aviation & MRO recruitment, he possesses extensive real world, day-to-day experience in sales, operations and management across a range of sectors in aviation.

As such, he looks forward to providing a different context to TARCG’s work, as the aviation recruiting firm seeks to provide a more proactive service for clients and candidates, and drive forward growth.

More than a quarter-century’s experience in aviation

David Doherty is a highly distinguished and capable aviation professional, with an over 25-year track record in sales, contract management, lease delivery and returns, aircraft operations and management.

After studying Business Studies and Economics at what is now London Metropolitan University, and Engineering at the University of Glasgow, David began his career in operations in 1996 at Air UK, which became KLM uk in 1998. He also worked for KLM uk’s low-cost subsidiary airline, Buzz, before leaving the company in 2003 to take up a position as Commercial Manager for ATC Lasham.

He would remain at ATC Lasham – an aviation engineering and technical support based at London Southend Airport – for 12 years, eventually rising to the position of Group Sales and Commercial Manager.

In August 2015, David joined Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group as Head of Business Development, Aviation Services. He stayed until March 2017, when the opportunity arose to lead the Commercial, Business Development, Strategy and Customer Support functions of Monarch Aircraft Engineering in Luton.

In recent years, David has served as Head of Sales at Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. He joins TARCG eager to bring the benefits of his “on the job” lived experiences to his new role. He will effectively represent a “fresh set of eyes” for the aviation recruiting firm, where he is also relishing the opportunity to further develop his own skills and knowledge.

“I believe strongly that I can assist TARCG with the achievement of their goals”

David Doherty commented: “I am obviously hugely excited about this role, which represents something new for me. While I have not previously been directly involved in the aviation recruitment industry, I have had indirect contact with the sector over my many years in aviation, dealing with a number of key players as both a candidate and client.

“Speaking to TARCG founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam O’Brien prior to taking on this role, I was able to appreciate the scale and nature of the challenge that awaits me here, and what it represents in the next stage of my own development.

“I believe strongly that I can assist TARCG with the achievement of their ultimate goals, including by increasing their business exposure and turnover in various markets.

“As someone coming from a non-recruitment background – effectively ‘from the outside, looking in’ – I can’t wait to get to work with everyone on the TARCG team, encouraging them to embrace different perspectives and maximise the value the business offers to both clients and candidates.”

“TARCG set the standard for Aviation & MRO recruitment”

TARCG is primarily an MRO & Technical Contract Recruitment Partner designed to deliver skilled engineers to help efficiently manage larger scale projects and seasonal demands. Founded by Sam O’Brien in 2016, TARCG offer a total recruitment solution to MRO’s, Manufactures and many other aviation companies with our number one goal being to build long-term relationship with becoming a trusted and reliable recruitment partner – adding value and making a difference.

Speaking about the appointment of David Doherty, Sam stated:

“I’m very much looking forward to working alongside David and I’m absolutely delighted he’s accepted my offer as a non-executive director and member of the board. David is one of the most well respected and reputable MRO professionals and deeply understands the inner workings of the industry, a perfect fit for TARCG.

We have exciting plans for the future and have recently secured a number of new preferred supplier contracts with major MRO, Defence and Airport service organisations. David’s experience, knowledge and guidance are key with our strategic initiatives and in strengthening our existing and future partnerships.

TARCG is a reliable recruitment partner born from the industry and David’s appointment will add yet more value to our commitment to upholding the highest quality service through expert industry knowledge and service delivery."

For further information about the expertise and resources that we provide to clients and candidates alike, please contact the TARCG team today at our London, European, USA or Axminster offices.

The COVID-19 crisis has posed a stiff challenge to the defence aerospace sector just as it has many other industries, but supplier BAE Systems has demonstrated its resilience, reporting another strong year of growth – including increased sales.

The company told investors that its sales went up by 4% in 2020, to £20.86 billion, compared to £20.11 billion during the previous full year.

Operating profit also increased, by £31 million to £1.9 billion, while revenue heightened by £1 billion to £19.3 billion. The business added that it had delivered a 2% rise in underlying earnings per share over the past year, to 46.8p, and that it expected an increase in this measure of between 3% and 5% in 2021.

Overcoming coronavirus difficulties and aspiring to new heights of innovation

BAE Systems helps to protect national security and keep critical information secure through its development of advanced defence technology. The company’s defence solutions protect customers not only in the air, but also across sea, land and cyber domains.

Furthermore, with over 85,000 employees across more than 40 countries, BAE is a truly global force in aviation jobs and recruitment.

While, as a sector, defence has not been as adversely impacted as some industries since the onset of the pandemic, BAE’s figures remain impressive against a difficult international economic backdrop.

Although some of the products the company sells to commercial sectors such as aviation, transport and cyber were not in as great demand in 2020, this was largely offset by positive trading in its fighter jet, electronic systems and combat shipbuilding units.

Indeed, BAE said it was buoyed by a new order for Typhoon jets, and that it expected two acquisitions in its electronic systems business from last year to help drive its performance in 2021.

“A strong set of results”

BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn commented: “Thanks to the outstanding efforts of our employees and close cooperation with our customers, suppliers and trades unions, we have delivered a strong set of results against a challenging backdrop of the global pandemic.

“In 2021 we will continue to drive operational performance, progress our sustainability agenda and invest in high-end discriminating technologies to meet our customers’ priorities, which will ensure we are well-positioned to grow the business and contribute to the economic prosperity of the countries in which we operate.”

To learn more about our credentials in aviation talent search and recruitment here at TARCG, and to discuss how we could best assist you as a client or candidate, please feel free to enquire to us at our UK, European or USA offices via phone or email.

The British government has announced a three-year £30 million deal with Spirit AeroSystems in Belfast to design and manufacture a prototype for the country’s first uncrewed fighter aircraft.

The aerostructures manufacturer has been selected to lead Team MOSQUITO in the next stage of the project, with the contract set to support more than 100 jobs in Belfast. The team will draw upon groundbreaking engineering techniques to continue the development of the RAF’s Lightweight Affordable Novel Combat Aircraft (LANCA) concept.

It is intended that the uncrewed combat aircraft will fly at high speed alongside fighter jets, armed with missiles, surveillance and electronic warfare technology.

The aircraft is set to be the UK’s first uncrewed platform capable of targeting and shooting down enemy aircraft and surviving in the face of enemy missiles.

A full-scale vehicle flight-test programme is expected before the end of 2023.

“A great win for the Northern Ireland defence industry”

Northern Ireland Secretary, Brandon Lewis, described the contract as “fantastic news [that] underlines the distinct strengths in Northern Ireland’s economy, through its advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

“This groundbreaking project will involve significant investment which will not only support local employment, but also reinforce Northern Ireland’s contribution to the security of our nation.”

Meanwhile, Defence Minister, Jeremy Quin hailed the deal as “a great win for the Northern Ireland defence industry” that would “showcase some of the great pioneering engineering work currently being undertaken in the UK.”

He added: “The £30 million project will accelerate the development of the UK’s future air power by delivering cutting-edge uncrewed aircraft, maintaining our position as a world leader in emerging technologies.”

A game-changing approach for national security

Also including Northrop Grumman UK, Team MOSQUITO is expected to mature the designs and manufacture a technology demonstrator to produce evidence for a follow-on LANCA programme.

It is thought that if Project Mosquito is successful, the end of the decade could see this revolutionary capability deployed alongside the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning jets.

The project aims to deliver major reductions in costs and development timelines, through the use of the most recent software development techniques and civilian aerospace engineering and manufacturing expertise. This will allow for innovations to more quickly reach the front line.

A key priority of the project is ensuring it will be an easy and affordable process to update the final aircraft design with the latest technology, to help keep the UK ahead of its adversaries.

When candidates and clients alike seek the services of the most capable aviation recruiting firm, including in relation to the latest opportunities in defence aerospace engineering, they can have the utmost faith in TARCG. Simply enquire to our industry experts today for further information.