First Flight

FlightGlobal & Amber Elias•www.flightglobal.com

Welcome to First Flight, a podcast by FlightGlobal, hosted by Amber Elias. In each episode, we will be speaking with CEO’s, experts and innovators from across the aviation industry; covering topics including airlines, defence, manufacturing and airports, to travel, world events and sustainability. Join First Flight as we explore the length and breadth of a global industry. First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal, and is executive produced by Amber Elias. Season 2 launches soon.

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Episodes

Matt Round, Chief Creative Officer at Tangerine

In this episode, Matt Round discusses how the passenger experience will be redefined in years to come, what the next technological advancement for in-flight entertainment looks like and why good design is the first point of impact for customers. Round joined Tangerine in 1996 and now as Chief Creative Officer, he is responsible for creative direction and strategy for the studios’ wide-ranging projects, including Finnair’s award-winning new long-haul cabin interiors, JAL’s A350 fleet renewal, Gul...

May 17, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Rami El-Dahshan, Head of Clubhouses at Virgin Atlantic

In this episode, Rami El-Dahshan discusses how airport lounges are at the forefront of excellent customer service, what luxury looks like to passengers now, and how airport experiences will develop in the future. Rami El-Dahshan joined Virgin Atlantic over six years ago from British Airways and has weathered one of the most disruptive periods for airlines and airports; the COVID-19 pandemic. Now as Virgin Atlantic passengers are almost back to their pre-pandemic levels, El-Dahshan has turned his...

May 02, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Stephanie Wear, Vice President of Aviation Development at London Gatwick

In this episode, Stephanie Wear, Vice President of Aviation Development at London Gatwick discusses the airports expansion plans for the North runway, the new routes on offer in 2024 and how slot reform is still a priority. Stephanie Wear joined London Gatwick in 2021 from Philadelphia International Airport, after a career in foreign trade and tourism. London Gatwick is the UK’s second-busiest airport, serving over 40 million passengers in 2023 and with an ambitious target to be a net zero airpo...

Apr 18, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Candace McGraw, Chair of Airports Council International (ACI) World and chief executive officer of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

In this episode, Candace McGraw discusses how airports and governments can work together to achieve sustainable targets, the impact of new technology to shape the airports of the future, and the importance of recruiting employees from the ground up to shape the workforce for decades to come. Candace McGraw began her two-year term as the new chair of ACI World in January 2024, and she now chairs the ACI World Governing Board that consists of 28 leading airport CEOs. McGraw is also the chief execu...

Apr 04, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Catherine Jestin, Executive Vice President Digital at Airbus

In this episode, Catherine Jestin discusses how Airbus has been using AI for over 20 years, what the future of digital technology looks like in aviation, and the lessons she learnt from her career in mining (hint: it includes autonomous vehicles). Catherine Jestin has been at Airbus since 2013, and before aviation held senior roles at Rio Tinto and Accenture. Airbus is the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe and is a leader in commercial aircraft, helicopters, advanced technologies, ...

Mar 21, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Introducing First Flight, a new podcast from FlightGlobal

Welcome to First Flight, a new podcast by FlightGlobal. In each episode, Amber Elias will be speaking with CEO’s, experts and innovators from across the aviation industry. Join FlightGlobal as we explore the length and breadth of a global industry. First Flight is the first podcast by FlightGlobal, an award-winning aviation media company. First Flight is a production of FlightGlobal and is hosted and executive produced by Amber Elias. For more information, visit flightglobal.com/podcast If you h...

Jan 30, 2024•1 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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