The Most Influential Leaders in Aviation & Aerospace to Follow, 2025

TM VOL 01 I ISSUE 09 I 2025 The Most Inuential Leaders in Aviation & Aerospace to Follow, 2025 Breaking Barriers The Future of Sustainable Avia?on Hypersonic Travel The Next Fron?er in Air Transporta?on Raily Quah Vice President Technical SGI Aviation Raily Quah Driving Operational Excellence in the Aviation Sector www.ciolook.com

“The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul.”

Redefining Flight T he aviation and aerospace sectors have always been at the forefront of human innovation. In 2025, these industries are not just shaping the future, they are redefining it. CIOLook in this edition of The Most Influential Leaders in Aviation & Aerospace to Follow highlights the pioneers and change-makers whose leadership and vision are propelling the industry into uncharted territory. Each story in this edition serves as a testament to the power of determination, collaboration, and visionary thinking. These leaders are not just transforming their respective fields but also inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and aim higher. We hope this collection of insights and achievements motivates you to explore new horizons and recognize the profound impact of leadership in shaping a better future for aviation, aerospace, and beyond. From advancements in sustainable aviation technologies to breakthroughs in space exploration and defense systems, the individuals featured here are tackling some of the most critical challenges of our time. They are driving innovation in electric propulsion, autonomous flight systems, and space accessibility, all while prioritizing sustainability and global connectivity. Editor's Note Prince Bolton

C O N T E N T S 08 C O V E R S T O R Y Raily Quah Driving Operational Excellence in the Aviation Sector A R T I C L E S 16 Breaking Barriers The Future of Sustainable Aviation Hypersonic Travel 20 The Next Frontier of Air Transportation

TM Pooja M Bansal Editor-in-Chief CONTENT FOLLOW US ON Deputy Editor Anish Miller www.facebook.com/ciolook www.twi?er.com/ciolook Managing Editor Prince Bolton WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON DESIGN Visualizer Dave Bates Art & Design Director Davis Mar?n Associate Designer Jameson Carl Featured Person Company Name Brief CONTACT US ON SALES Email info@ciolook.com For Subscrip?on www.ciolook.com Bastian is a prominent leader with a strong focus on innovation and customer experience, driving significant growth in the airline industry. Ed Bastian Chief Executive Officer Senior Sales Manager Cooper J., Hunter D. Delta Air Lines delta.com Customer Success Manager Nelson M. Sales Execu?vesTim, Smith Felipe Wagner Regional Director, Airline Marketing Wagner is a dynamic professional celebrated for contributions to technology and business development, fostering collaboration and innovation. Copyright © 2025 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. Embraer embraer.com TECHNICAL Technical Head Peter Hayden FLAMEN AEROSPACE LIMITED https://www.linkedin.com /company/flamen-aerospace -limited/?trk=similar-pages &originalSubdomain=uk Technical Consultant Victor Collins Menichino is an accomplished figure in the business world, recognized for strategic insights and impactful leadership across various industries. Flavio Menichino Founding Director SME-SMO Research Analyst Eric Smith SEO Execu?veAlen Spencer Raily Quah Vice President Technical Quah is a seasoned professional with over 30 years in the aviation and aerospace sectors, known for expertise in engineering and operations. SGI Aviation sgiaviation.com sales@ciolook.com January, 2025 Jones is a respected authority in finance and management, noted for strategic decision-making and enhancing organizational performance. Ca Roule flyflair.com Stephen Jones Independent

to advancing aviation.”“ C O V E R S T O R Y Raily Quah Driving Operational Excellence in the Aviation Sector “ Raily Quah Vice President Technical SGI Aviation Raily’s commitment to safety, innovation, and operational excellence reflects his dedication

“ “ Connecting people, places, and cultures through the sky captivated him, inspiring him to pursue a lifelong aviation career. Leading Industry Innovation! A industry has advanced significantly, driven by technological progress and an increased focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Innovations such as digital tools, automation, and sustainable aviation fuels have transformed operations, ensuring safer and more efficient air travel. The sector also faces growing challenges, including fluctuating market demands and stricter regulatory requirements, making adaptability and strategic thinking more essential than ever. This environment highlights the need for leaders who can effectively combine technical expertise with visionary thinking to shape their future. With a collaborative mindset, Raily inspires teams to balance technical precision with broader business goals. viation plays an important role in global connectivity, bridging geographical gaps and enabling cultural exchange. Over the years, the This journey began 30 years ago when he joined Malaysia Airlines as a Trainee Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Since then, he has gained a broad spectrum of experiences, holding positions such as Engineer, Instructor, Manager, Head of Department, Consultant, and Regulatory Inspector. These diverse roles have given him a deep understanding of the aviation industry, shaping his ability to steer challenges with technical precision and strategic insight. The experiences he has gained across airlines, MRO, training, and regulatory sectors have made him adaptable and resilient in this field. His passion for aviation continues to drive him forward, fueling his commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence and making every day in this industry fulfilling and rewarding. Raily Quah, Vice President Technical, is a leader whose passion for aviation fuels his strategic approach to the industry. His commitment to safety, innovation, and operational excellence reflects his dedication to advancing aviation. With a collaborative mindset, he inspires teams to balance technical precision with broader business goals. Raily’s ability to integrate technical knowledge with business acumen positions him as a guiding force, cultivating a proactive problem-solving culture and continuous improvement. His leadership focuses on accountability and excellence, aligning teams to achieve sustainable aviation sector success. Mastering Operational Efficiency His experience across airlines, training, MRO, and aircraft leasing has provided him with a comprehensive perspective that impacts his current role. Working with airlines taught him the importance of operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and maintaining reliability in day-to-day operations, instilling a deep appreciation for precision and timeliness in aviation. As a trainer and leader, Raily gained a solid understanding of the regulatory environment, safety standards, and the importance of developing skilled personnel, which has been crucial for cultivating a culture of excellence. SGI Aviation is a global leader in delivering comprehensive technical leasing, asset management, and regulatory compliance solutions. The company’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and operational efficiency has cemented its reputation as a trusted partner in the aviation sector. By integrating advanced technology and industry best practices, SGI Aviation continues to deliver tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of its clients. Through a steadfast focus on quality and innovation, the company remains at the head of addressing the growing demands of the aviation industry. The MRO experience gave him valuable insight into the difficulties of maintaining aircraft, ensuring compliance with strict standards, and guaranteeing airworthiness—all essential knowledge for informed decision-making. Transitioning into aircraft leasing added a commercial dimension to his expertise, giving him a strong foundation in asset management, risk assessment, and strategic planning. This blend of technical, operational, and commercial experience enables him to address tough challenges effectively and ensure alignment between technical operations and broader business objectives. Let’s explore Raily’s strategic leadership for a future-ready aviation industry: Commitment to Safety and Innovation Collaborative Solutions in Aircraft Leasing Raily’s passion for aviation began at a young age, sparked by the awe of seeing aircraft in flight and the fascination with the intricacy behind their engineering. Raily finds solving aviation-related challenges, particularly in project management in technical leasing, rewarding due

“ “ Effective Collaboration with Stakeholders to the tangible impact on operational efficiency and asset optimization. In technical leasing, every decision has far-reaching consequences for the asset’s lifecycle and the lessee’s operations. Addressing these complications requires a strategic approach to project management, ensuring that aircraft are delivered and maintained in peak condition while minimizing downtime and costs. Raily’s leadership focuses on accountability and excellence, aligning teams to achieve sustainable aviation sector success. Raily’s approach to balancing independent problem-solving with being an effective team player centers around understanding when to take initiative and utilize the team's strengths. Independent problem-solving is essential in technical leasing, especially when managing intricate technical aspects such as maintenance planning, redelivery conditions, or regulatory compliance. He uses his expertise to assess situations, make informed decisions, and drive projects forward to meet tight deadlines and operational requirements. The most fulfilling part of this work is balancing the technical, financial, and regulatory aspects to achieve optimal outcomes for all stakeholders. Whether coordinating inspections, managing redelivery conditions, or negotiating maintenance programs, he enjoys the challenge of aligning technical requirements with business objectives. Each project brings unique challenges, and finding solutions that ensure the aircraft remains compliant, reliable, and financially viable is immensely rewarding. However, effective technical leasing requires extensive collaboration among stakeholders, including lessors, lessees, MROs, and regulatory bodies. Being an effective team player means ensuring that communication channels are open and transparent and everyone is aligned with project goals. He facilitates collaboration by sharing insights, coordinating activities, and ensuring all team members understand the technical requirements and the broader business context. It is also gratifying to collaborate with a diverse range of professionals—from engineers to legal teams—to ensure that each aircraft meets stringent safety and performance standards, ultimately contributing to a successful lease cycle. This balance of independent initiative and collaborative teamwork enables him to address the challenges of technical leasing, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently while meeting technical and contractual obligations. Integrating Technical Expertise with Business Acumen His qualifications as a Licensed Aircraft Engineer and MBA have shaped his leadership style by integrating technical expertise with strategic business acumen. Raily’s background in Aircraft Maintenance gives him an in-depth understanding of aircraft systems, regulatory requirements, and operational challenges, which helps him effectively communicate with engineering teams and make informed decisions prioritizing safety and reliability. Adapting to Market Changes in Aviation According to Raily, the aviation industry has progressed over the years, driven by technological advancements, changing market dynamics, and increased focus on sustainability. Technological innovation has transformed how aircraft are designed, maintained, and operated, with digital tools, data analytics, and automation playing a role in enhancing efficiency and safety. The rise of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), carbon-neutral initiatives, and a focus on reducing environmental impact have also shaped industry priorities, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability. The MBA has complemented his technical skills by giving him a broader understanding of business strategy, finance, and leadership. This understanding allows him to address intricate business situations, assess risks, and align technical initiatives with organizational goals. This combination has helped him approach challenges from both technical and strategic viewpoints. In leading his team, Raily focuses on collaboration and proactive problem-solving. He encourages team members to apply their technical knowledge while also understanding the broader business context of their projects. This approach cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability and aligns their efforts with the organization's overall objectives, driving operational excellence and strategic growth. The business environment of aviation has also changed, with increased competition, growing passenger expectations, and fluctuating market conditions requiring greater flexibility and adaptability from stakeholders across the industry. To stay ahead of these changes, he actively engages in continuous learning through industry conferences, workshops, or professional courses.

He also keeps current with technological and regulatory developments through industry publications and networking. Embracing lifelong learning, adapting to new technologies, and maintaining a mindset of agility are key strategies that help him thrive amidst the changes in aviation. “ “ He believes that when health and well-being are prioritized, everyone can perform at their best and achieve sustained success in the industry. ensuring operational stability to nurturing a high- performance culture. He aims to apply his expertise in technical leasing, project management, and strategic planning to guide the startup through its early stages of growth while focusing on efficiency and industry best practices. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of aviation professionals and looks forward to creating a collaborative and innovative environment where talent is nurtured, and ideas are encouraged. Keys to a Successful Aviation Career Raily advises young professionals aspiring to build a successful aviation career to stay curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning. Aviation is a challenging industry with constantly changing technology, regulations, and market conditions. Embrace every opportunity to learn through formal training, hands-on experience, or seeking guidance from experienced colleagues. Raily states, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions; curiosity will help you gain deeper insights and become better equipped to face challenges.” Raily’s ability to integrate technical knowledge with business acumen positions him as a guiding force, cultivating a proactive problem-solving culture and continuous improvement. The company's key goal is to create a scalable, customer- focused organization that delivers exceptional value to clients by solving real challenges in aviation, especially in areas like asset management, maintenance, and sustainability. The aim is to use technology to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to greener solutions for the industry. Ultimately, he envisions building a company that not only thrives in a competitive market but also helps shape the future of aviation positively and sustainably. Developing technical expertise is essential, but equally crucial is building interpersonal skills. The aviation industry relies heavily on collaboration and teamwork, whether working with engineers, regulatory authorities, or cross- functional teams. Raily highlights, “Strong communication and a positive attitude will go a long way in establishing you as a dependable professional.” He provides opportunities for training, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration to build technical and interpersonal skills. By empowering his team members to take the initiative and supporting their growth, he cultivates a culture of excellence, accountability, and adaptability essential for success in aviation. Additionally, “Resilience and adaptability are key qualities in aviation. Challenges are inevitable, but the ability to adapt and maintain a solution-oriented approach will set you apart.” Strategic Thinking in Technical Leasing Effective Time Management Strategies Finally, “Always keep the bigger picture in mind. Understanding how your role contributes to safety, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction will give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. You can achieve a rewarding aviation career with dedication, an open mind, and a passion for the industry”. Several qualities are essential for success in his role, including adaptability, technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a strong mindset. Adaptability is crucial in aviation because unexpected challenges often arise, requiring swift decision-making and flexibility. Raily believes maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the fast-paced aviation industry requires planning and discipline. He prioritizes effective time management by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, ensuring he stays focused on high-priority tasks during work hours while safeguarding time for rest and individual activities. Delegation is also crucial—he ensures tasks are distributed effectively within the team to avoid bottlenecks and unnecessary stress. Technical expertise is equally important to ensure informed decision-making and to maintain the safety and reliability of operations, particularly in technical leasing, where compliance and airworthiness are paramount. Strategic thinking helps align technical actions with business goals, ensuring that decisions add value for all stakeholders. Mentoring the Next Generation in Aviation Having recently transitioned from SGI, Raily is focusing on an exciting new journey—restructuring and growing a young startup in the aviation sector. This latest chapter presents an opportunity to use the wealth of experience he has gathered to build something innovative and impactful. He makes it a point to engage in activities outside of work that help him recharge, such as spending quality time alone or pursuing hobbies. These activities are essential for maintaining mental well-being and keeping a clear mind. He also practices mindfulness to stay present and reduce stress, which helps him remain focused and productive at work and home. A practical mindset is also key, as the role involves collaborating with diverse teams, negotiating with stakeholders, and ensuring alignment across multiple departments. Raily nurtures these qualities within his team by creating an environment that encourages proactive problem-solving, an open mindset, and continuous learning. His immediate goal is to establish a strong foundation for the startup, creating a sustainable business model that can adapt to the intricacies of the aviation industry while embracing emerging technologies. Raily’s goals are growth, adaptability, and making a tangible impact. Restructuring a young company comes with unique challenges, from He also encourages his team to maintain their work-life balance by promoting flexible schedules and creating a supportive environment.

Breaking Barriers The Future of Sustainable Aviation he aviation industry stands at the crossroads today. T in demand for air travel. In the face of these pressures, several trends and innovations will chart the future course for sustainable aviation. Increasingly, it has to reduce its impact on the environment and at the same time cope with the growth This article covers some key developments, challenges, and solutions that will characterize the future of air travel. Current State of Aviation Emissions Aviation already consumes about 2% of global carbon emissions, and without a drastic shift, it may take up to 12% to 27% of the remaining carbon budget by 2050. The sector has been targeted as one of the major contributors to climate change, hence calling for innovation among the stakeholders in terms of coming up with ideas to ensure the sector reaches net-zero emissions by 2050. Innovative Technologies Driving Change Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): A Key Enabler. SAF is essential in the future reduction of the carbon footprint associated with aviation. SAF can replace conventional jet • 16 17 www.ciolook.com | January 2025 | www.ciolook.com | January 2025 |

The Role of Collaboration fuel from sources including municipal waste, used cooking oil, and cut lifecycle emissions up to 80% from jet fuel. On the other hand, it cannot be produced inexpensively enough - yet. For now, its cost is a prohibitive two to four times conventional fuels. Electric and Hybrid-Electric Aircraft: There is a rising interest in electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, especially for short-haul routes. Eviation is working on a fully electric commuter plane, while Airbus and Boeing are already designing hybrid-electric aircraft. Advanced battery technology will be the main driver for wider adoption of electric flight. Autonomous Flight Technologies: Thesewill be used to change air transport, given the latest improvements in automation. While autonomous passenger flights might be still many years ahead, cargo drones and air taxis are said to start soon. Sense-and-avoid systems and other similar technologies will bring a better efficiency level in managing air traffic with reduced safety concerns. Digital Innovations: The use of digital technology in handling of airliner operations can enhance flight plan and also increase the functionality of the operations. This way, their clients improve the satisfaction regarding their specific needs while the airlines themselves minimize the fuel and consequently the emissions. Coordination among diverse areas is key towards achieving sustainable air travel. Such coordination involves collective effort among airliners, aircraft manufacturers, respective governments, as well as research agencies. Initiatives like the International Civil Aviation Organization's CORSIA program look for ways of instituting market measures that could curtail emissions levels. • Future Outlook • The future of sustainable aviation is bright, but only if all parties involved make efforts to work towards it. Among the key trends that will characterize this future include: Increased Use of SAF: As the production capacities are improving and costs are reducing, wider adoption by airlines is anticipated. Advances in Electrification: Continued research into electric propulsion systems will lead to zero-emission aircraft on short-haul routes. Improved Operational Performance: Continuous upgrade of flight operation through digital means will significantly assist in reducing general emissions. Changing Consumer Behavior: The shift in consumer behavior towards more environmentally conscious travel choices will force airlines to focus on sustainability in their operations. • • • • • Challenges in Sustainable Aviation Conclusion Although these are promising technologies, several challenges have to be overcome: The journey toward sustainable aviation is one of challenges and opportunities for innovation and collaboration. By embracing new technologies and fostering partnerships across the industry, aviation can transform itself into a more sustainable sector that meets the demands of future travelers while protecting the environment. In order for all the parties to stick with this vision while air travel eventually becomes the word that symbolizes sustainability, the years to come must bring with them sustainable practices in aviation. High Costs: The costs of establishing and deploying environmentally friendly technologies are typically steep. These costs will therefore be key funded by government subsidies and through public private partnerships.. Regulatory Hurdles: The aviation industry operates under a complex framework of regulations, which slows the pace of technological innovation. Collaboration between governments and the industry would be required to streamline regulations. Consumer Awareness: The more the awareness of environmental consciousness among travelers, the more they demand sustainable travel options. Still, consumers must be educated about the benefits of sustainable aviation fuels and technologies to make them adopt the same. • • • TM 18 www.ciolook.com | January 2025 |

T he air transportation industry is at the precipice of revolution, as driven by the changes in technology, sustainability, and the evolution of passenger expectations. As we step into the next frontier of air travel, it becomes very clear that the future will be one of efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility through innovation. Hypersonic Travel Embracing Automation and Robotics Among all the trends that are currently shaping the process of change in air transportation, there is a tendency towards the automation and robotics of processes. Some of the applications that airports are deploying today in the baggage handling and maintenance simplify processes and decrease the probability of human mistakes. For instance, personal assistant robots are recently deployed in the lounges and check-in sections to enhance the service quality experiences for customers. This also increases the level of satisfaction in passengers’ side while at the same time also increasing the operational performance. The Rise of Electric and Hybrid Aircraft Parker also noted that the electric and hybrid aircraft will be a new concept in aviation industry. They will enable this sector to cut greenhouse emissions substantially while at the The Next Frontier of Air Transportation 20 21 www.ciolook.com | January 2025 | www.ciolook.com | January 2025 |

Sustainability at Core same time increasing efficiency. Electricity derived from hydrogen fuel cells is being designed to serve as an energy source that will allow for zero-emission flight. There are still obstacles with regards to the manufacture and distribution networks for hydrogen, but the industry is pushing for progress towards sustainable aviation. Sustainability is not an option for many airlines but a way to shape the future of aviation industry. That is why the industry fully committed to bring its emissions to zero by 2050 is now driving innovations across sectors. It’s not just electric aircraft, but there are a lot of things taking place at present such as SAF, which are revamping the way airlines work. Another example within the industry, which reflects this approach, is an investment made by Alaska Airlines in a JetZero technology. Another great step toward sustainability is the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels as renewable kerosene replacements to traditional jet fuels and as a way of ensuring that the industry delivers on climate goals as well as meeting the demand for travel with a cleaner impact. The Role of Artificial Intelligence Urban Air Mobility Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all set to play a revolutionary role in aviation. Airlines can transform their operations and flight schedules based on big data analytics. They can enhance customer service by offering customized experiences. Predictive maintenance is being used by AI- driven solutions to ensure safety in aircraft, with reduced downtime. UAM is increasingly coming to light as cities increasingly explore innovative solutions in addressing transportation within urban environments. It entails the use of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed for short- distance travel and might be the solution for urban congestion. Conclusion: A Bright Future Developments in UAM infrastructure are on through several partnerships done globally with some airlines such as Southwest Airlines being in partnerships with Archer Aviation to establish electric air taxi networks in California. This does not only facilitate mobility but also transforms the way people view air travel in urban landscapes. It will be evident that innovation will spearhead this evolution into the future of air transportation. The future of aviation promises to redefine how we travel with innovations in automation, sustainability initiatives, safety measures, and passenger experience improvements. The airlines, airports, and technology providers will collaborate on an efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible air transport system. Enhanced Safety Measures There is still much emphasis on the fact that safety comes first in aviation. Collisions prevention systems are other modem technologies that improve air travel safety because the aircraft detects potential threats. Also, advancements in the navigation systems enhance precision, thus, allowing pilots to fly more effectively and reduce the time taken by airlines to complete a flight as well as the fuel consumed. All these improve passenger safety when flying. In a nutshell, the air transportation industry is approaching an exciting phase of pioneering innovation and a deep commitment to being sustainable. Thus, these factors will continue into the future but not only for shaping the airline travel world around us but in addition positively on our global environments. Passengers Experience Revolutionized The future of air travel has a better prospect of enhancing passengers’ encounter during a flight by enhancing the comfort and entertainment of passengers. Special offers like personal entertainment systems with internet connection and virtual reality will be offered by airlines through investment. This is in accord with the general paradigm of making travelling as much fun as possible. 22 www.ciolook.com | January 2025 |

“Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.”

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The Most Influential Leaders in Aviation & Aerospace to Follow, 2025

The Most Influential Leaders in Aviation & Aerospace to Follow, 2025

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