Interview With Mr. David George, the CEO of Brookfield Aviation

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. David George, the CEO of Brookfield Aviation, a leading player in the aviation industry with a rich history and a global footprint. With a career spanning diverse fields before entering aviation, Mr. George brings a unique perspective to his role as CEO. In this interview, we delve into his journey, the company's vision, leadership principles, and the future of Brookfield Aviation.

Q: Could you share a bit about your background and how you got started in the aviation industry?

David: Certainly. My journey into the aviation industry was rather unconventional. After leaving school, I embarked on an adventure with a travelling circus, followed by a stint as a salesman and then seven years as a professional photographer for newspapers in Devon and South Wales. In 1985, I made a career switch and joined an IT recruitment company in London, co-owned by my future partner, Bernie Duffield. We specialised in recruiting software developers for airline reservation systems and later expanded to pilot and engineer contracting, which led to the establishment of Brookfield Aviation in 1993.

Q: Can you tell us about the journey that led you to become the CEO of Brookfield Aviation?

David: Bernie and I were equal partners in building Brookfield Aviation into the largest pilot leasing company globally, with over 2,000 pilots under our contracts. Tragically, Bernie passed away in 2015 after a long illness, leaving me to continue the legacy we had built together. He was an exceptional man, and I wish he could have been with us today.

Q: What inspired you to establish Brookfield, and what is the driving force behind your vision for the company?

David: We recognised a gap in the market for pilot contracting in the early '90s, and that presented a tremendous opportunity. Over the years, we've expanded our services to include airline sales, financing, pilot and engineer training, and aircraft leasing alongside our core business of supplying aviation personnel. Our vision is to continue growing all these aspects of our business, driven by a talented management team.

Q: What values and principles guide your leadership style?

David: Fairness and honesty are fundamental to my leadership style, whether dealing with clients or colleagues. We maintain an open office environment where anyone can discuss anything with me at any time, fostering trust in my senior managers and enabling effective delegation.

Q: In this dynamic field, what strategies have you employed to ensure the company's growth and success?

David: Establishing global offices with teams working around the clock has been key to our success. Our diverse team, representing various cultures and languages, helps us build close relationships with clients across continents. Additionally, we adapt to industry changes, remembering the importance of human communication in this digital age.

Q: What do you believe sets Brookfield apart from other companies in the industry?

David: Our longevity, experienced management team, comprehensive range of services, industry reputation, and a track record of serving over 230 airline clients worldwide, some for more than a quarter of a century, distinguish us.

Q: How do you envision Brookfield Aviation’s future in the industry?

David: Our core business remains strong and continues to support the growth of new ventures within the company. Brookfield Aviation Finance is gaining substantial interest globally, and we are well-prepared to weather industry challenges, as we have in the past, always emerging stronger.

Q: Could you share a memorable achievement or milestone that the company has reached under your leadership?

David: Getting the first pilot we hired - as I remember it was a BAC-111 captain – into the first contract Brookfield ever signed with an airline in 1993 was surely the most significant because it paved the way for the hiring of over 5,000 pilots and engineers on our contracts in the following 30 years.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or individuals looking to join the Aviation industry?

David: Be confident, enthusiastic, and ambitious in any career, including aviation. If you aspire to become a pilot, carefully consider the training costs and ensure it's your passion before making significant financial commitments.

Q: Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that you're particularly excited about?

David: I'm particularly enthusiastic about the growing interest in Brookfield Aviation Finance from around the world. However, every aspect of our business is exciting, and it keeps me engaged well past the typical retirement age.

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