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Open Skies Podcast

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The Open Skies Podcast; sharing the untold and almost-lost stories from airline + aviation companies worldwide.

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In this episode of Open Skies, host Chris Glass speaks with Joel Thomas, founder of Stratos Jets, and Darren Engle, the company’s Chief Growth Officer, about transforming the fragmented world of private aviation. What started as a one-man brokerage has evolved into a franchise model that empowers others to own and grow their own jet charter agencies—with the full power of Stratos’ infrastructure, safety systems, and flight operations at their back.
Joel and Darren unpack the challenges of scaling a jet charter business, from booking flights and vetting air carriers to managing working capital and building client trust. They also share how departmentalizing operations, building proprietary tech, and staying true to strong values have allowed Stratos to deliver a consistently premium experience. Whether you’re an aviation entrepreneur, private flyer, or someone who loves stories of purposeful business-building, this episode offers a candid and inspiring look at what’s possible when you rethink how private aviation can work—for everyone.
Connect with Stratos Jets: https://lnkd.in/gvZ9RaDY
Learn more about the Statos Jets franchise or inquire to become a franchised agency owner: https://lnkd.in/gTQDqBcb
Connect with Joel: https://lnkd.in/gZ25sJPP
Connect with Darren: https://lnkd.in/gQswZzNV
Follow Stratos Jets on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gMqFeHDK

Make sure you check out the full video here:

https://lnkd.in/gCu7sDpB

And also make sure to subscribe to our feed on the following links:

Spotify:
https://lnkd.in/gtMjv2Cv

Apple Podcasts:
https://lnkd.in/gZ2NZRTA taken in Calgary Airport, Alberta, Canada by @openskiespodcast

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a year ago

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

Connect with Pilot John: https://pilotjohn.com/

Shop by aircraft here: https://lnkd.in/gbNm6SQk

Connect with John: https://lnkd.in/gvQggpNu

Follow Pilot John on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gJ_jJF9P

Make sure you check out the full video here:

https://lnkd.in/gSBprhcA

And also make sure to subscribe to our feed on the following links:

Spotify:

https://lnkd.in/g_DkRjFZ

Apple Podcasts:
https://lnkd.in/gHgq9GcQ by @openskiespodcast

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a year ago

✈ Why is aviation still stuck in the 1970s when it comes to operational data?

In the latest episode of Open Skies, I sit down with William Cecil from FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd., An FTG Company to explore one of the industry’s most overlooked challenges: the outdated systems we still use to collect, transmit, and utilize aircraft data.

From telex-based communications to engine downloads that take hours on the ground, it’s clear that while aircraft have evolved, our data infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. But change is coming—and Willie shares what that transformation looks like.

If you’re in aviation, MRO, or aerospace tech, this conversation is a must-listen. It’s time to bring aircraft data into the 21st century.

Make sure you check out the full video here:

https://lnkd.in/g4kC9AzQ

And also make sure to subscribe to our feed on the following links:

Spotify
https://lnkd.in/g9bUPCJN

Apple Podcasts:
https://lnkd.in/gv3QbJeq taken in Calgary, Alberta by @openskiespodcast

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a year ago

✈️ Why is flying in Canada so expensive—and getting worse?
In this episode, I’m joined by two industry heavyweights: Bob Cummings and Richard Bartrem, veterans of WestJet and the Canadian aviation scene, for a frank look at the state of Canadian air travel.

They break down why the system is financially unsustainable, regionally unequal, and stuck in policy inertia—penalizing travelers, discouraging investment, and cutting off communities.

Their message: Air travel is a critical infrastructure, not a luxury—and Canada needs a comprehensive overhaul to stay connected and competitive.

We also look at smarter global models that show what’s possible.

🎧 Tune in if you’ve ever wondered why flying across Canada is so hard—and what we can do about it.

See the full Video Here:

https://openskiesmediahouse.com/the-high-cost-of-flying-fixing-canadas-broken-aviation-system/

Download on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6J8rrEsaHkBJ0vQgEV80PP?si=6e91188888b64336

Download on Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-high-cost-of-flying-fixing-canadas-broken/id1771568535?i=1000703890516 taken in Calgary Alberta Canada by @openskiespodcast

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a year ago

In this episode of Open Skies, host Chris Glass talks with Monica Badra, founder of Aero Next Gen, a sharp-minded tech broker reimagining how aviation MRO connects with digital innovation. With roots in both finance and aerospace, Monica bridges real-world MRO problems with bold, tech-driven solutions.
She breaks down how her team helps MRO leaders cut through outdated systems, siloed data, and aging ERPs using AI, automation, and intuitive analytics.
If you’re tired of clunky workflows or curious how tech outsiders are reshaping aviation from the edges inward, this episode is for you.

See the full Video Here:
https://lnkd.in/gafbZ_P9

Download on Spotify:
https://lnkd.in/gYPqxQRT

Download on Apple:
https://lnkd.in/gwyXBDM9 by @openskiespodcast

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2 years ago

Ever heard the unmistakable roar of a CF-18 overhead? Then you’ve likely spotted Open Skies’ next guest, Captain David Deere.

Now a Standards Pilot at WestJet, David’s career spans from flying CF-18s in the Gulf War to intercepting missiles over Alaska and performing precision aerobatics with the Snowbirds. He’s piloted everything from fighter jets to airliners and now leads innovations in fuel efficiency, RNP approaches, and sustainable aviation.

This episode is packed with high-flying stories and cutting-edge insights—don’t miss it!

See the full Video Here:
https://lnkd.in/gYqYVbze

Download on Spotify:
https://lnkd.in/gqM47mWw

Download on Apple:
https://lnkd.in/gWCSDVsW taken in Airdrie, Alberta by @openskiespodcast

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2 years ago

In this second part of the Hope Air series, Chris meets their Chief Development Officer, Jon Collins.

Medical care and specifically, access to it, has changed significantly over the last decade rendering everyday Canadians with the gut-wrenching decision of whether to proceed with life-saving treatments, or face the inevitable.

For many Canadians the reality is that their specialized medical appointments require travel to major hubs meaning long drives, expensive flights, not to mention hotels and deciding whether it’s financially feasible to take their support system with them. Jon candidly shares how Hope steps in, as well as his own personal heart-to-heart connection with their mission to leave no Canadian behind.

With demand for Hope Air’s services on the rise, now more than ever it is important to build relationships with airline partners, as well as continue to seek funding and support from the community to keep Hope operational. Jon shares the ups and downs of what it takes to keep Hope alive, and how crucial their mission is to everyday Canadians just like you.

See the full Video Here:
https://lnkd.in/gC7zyYxV

Download on Spotify:

https://lnkd.in/gDtSmYgh

Download on Apple:

https://lnkd.in/gDC269Pd by @openskiespodcast

5

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2 years ago

This episode of Open Skies takes us across the country to the Head Office of Hope Air where we meet Chief Hope Officer, Mark Rubinstein who shares with us a heartfelt mission we can all get behind: a world in which every Canadian has access to the healthcare they need, despite distance and cost, through the gift of free flights, accommodations, and travel arrangements.
Through their network of commercial airline partners like WestJet and Porter, generous donations, and volunteer pilots, Hope Air provides over 45,000 trips annually to those who would otherwise face insurmountable barriers to receiving medical treatment.
Chris learns about Hope Air’s humble beginnings in 1986 with only 15 annual flights, the drive and passion behind Mark and and his team, as well as the challenges that every airline operating in 2020 has faced - the COVID-19 pandemic.
This conversation is one for our memory books as we are given a sneak peak into the unseen side of air travel and the life-saving journeys that happen every day. Thank you to Mark and the Hope Air team for their hospitality, honesty and heart.

Check out the full video here:

https://lnkd.in/gzeUjVb8

Download the Podcast on Spotify:

https://lnkd.in/g-ipSw9i

Download the Podcast at Apple Podcasts:

https://lnkd.in/g82RYUXY by @openskiespodcast

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

In our last podcast of 2024, we bring you the story of Nate Glover, an operational savant and author of Trust the Process: Navigating Leadership Through The Pandemic. Nate’s careers spans airlines the likes of JetBlue, Continental, and Norwegian airlines, eventually landing himself at Menzies where he head up operations in Canada.

Things were smooth-sailing until the pandemic hit, and American-born Nate found himself stranded in Canada. Listen along and learn how Nate turned seclusion into success. by @openskiespodcast

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2 years ago

It was an eventful week as the Open Skies team travelled to YYZ to interview Mark Rubinstein and the team at Hope Air. The work they are doing for Canadians in need is inspiring and we are excited to bring you their story in the new year.

Stay tuned! taken in Toronto, Ontario by @openskiespodcast

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2 years ago

Sandra Pineau-Boddison started her very successful career in the employee cafeteria. Early on, she was challenged and pushed to think outside of the box and like the cream, she rose to the top. Now as the crème de la crème of leadership, Sandra serves as Chair of Intervine, an onboard services company focused on inclusive and delicious travel experiences for all.

In this week’s podcast, Chris not only gets the lowdown on customer-tailored snack options aboard some of North America’s finest airlines, but also the complications and colossal task of merging two of them: Continental and United.

From chef to Chair, Sandra walks us through her journey and takes leaves us with some invaluable lessens in culture alignment and post-Covid operations. by @openskiespodcast

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2 years ago