Open Skies Podcast

The Connected Skies: 5G, Predictive Maintenance, and the Future of Aviation

In this cutting-edge episode of Open Skies, Chris Glass is joined by William Cecil from FLYHT Aerospace and Max Le Leannec from Transatel for a deep dive into the evolving world of aviation connectivity. Together, they break down how legacy communication systems like ACARS are reaching their limits—and how private 5G networks, edge computing, and IoT-driven infrastructure are set to transform everything from engine data offload to predictive maintenance and real-time baggage handling. The conversation covers why aviation has lagged behind industries like automotive in connectivity, and how global telecom innovation is now catching up to aircraft, gates, and terminals. From 5G private network deployments at airports like Charles de Gaulle and Hong Kong, to redundancy strategies for mission-critical systems, this episode explores how to future-proof the entire aviation data ecosystem. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to truly connect an aircraft—and an airport—this is your boarding pass to the future.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409279/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409279/support]

Elevating Air Charter: The Stratos Model for Consistency and Trust in Private Aviation

In this episode of OpenSkies, host Chris Glass speaks with Joel Thomas, founder of Stratos Jet Charters, 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://www.stratosjets.com/ [https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.stratosjets.com%2f&c=E,1,keCkSZbHifNIzDmSwboQEoHKP0WJFRfEHdKrzm9YRavwUCTAWoR3MV-xnDuNDnn9JkY-omygslb1nR_OvmUziVeIsA7HQc5EwJeY5VqcnEeY&typo=1] * Learn more about the Statos Jets franchise or inquire to become a franchised agency owner: https://www.stratosjets.com/franchise/ [https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.stratosjets.com%2ffranchise%2f&c=E,1,D6DCUUuBGyMBJEw3Q8iAzD7p8MmNy5xtR7HqpNdQEbnNrUG9b9jESAgX-tPIMbBetDlabHqSOQ8sEdEq02QCVNLxulpBbHogIwJEqL62Iw,,&typo=1] * Connect with Joel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aircharter/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aircharter/] * Connect with Darren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-t-engle-571a546/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-t-engle-571a546/] * Follow Stratos Jets on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratos-jets [https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratos-jets]   Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409279/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409279/support]

Aircraft, E-commerce, and Culture: Inside Pilot John International’s Growth Story

In this episode of OpenSkies, we sit down with John Werner, 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/ [https://pilotjohn.com/] * Shop by aircraft here: https://pilotjohn.com/aircraft [https://pilotjohn.com/aircraft] * Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilotjohn/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilotjohn/] * Follow Pilot John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pilotjohninternational/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pilotjohninternational/]   Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409279/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409279/support]

From Telex to Terabytes: Why Aircraft Data Needs a Modern Upgrade

In this episode of Open Skies, host Chris Glass sits down with Willie Cecil of FLYHT Aerospace to demystify one of aviation's biggest hidden challenges: how aircraft operational data is collected, transmitted, and used today—and why it desperately needs a 21st-century overhaul. From legacy telex-based communication systems to manual engine downloads that take hours, Willie explains why so much of aviation still operates like it’s the 1970s—and what’s finally changing. Willie introduces us to Edge+, a 5G-enabled data solution that’s helping airlines collect massive amounts of flight data in real time, paving the way for true predictive maintenance and more connected, efficient airline operations. They dive deep into the limitations of ACARS, QAR, and FADEC data handling, the rise of private 5G networks at airports, and what a fully connected aircraft can really unlock. Whether you’re an aviation pro or just fascinated by the tech that keeps us flying, this is one episode you won’t want to miss Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409279/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409279/support]

The High Cost of Flying: Fixing Canada’s Broken Aviation System

In this eye-opening episode, host Chris Glass is joined by airline veterans Bob Cummings and Richard Bartrem, who offer a frank and informed take on the state of Canadian aviation. With decades of experience at the helm of WestJet and other carriers, they unpack why Canada’s air travel system is financially unsustainable, regionally imbalanced, and policy-stagnant. From rising airport fees to ineffective passenger rights legislation, the current system penalizes travelers and discourages investment—all while limiting access to smaller communities across the country. Bob and Richard call for a nationwide review of the industry that prioritizes governance, efficiency, and economic contribution. They outline how other countries—like Spain, Ireland, and South Korea—offer smarter, more equitable models. Most importantly, they make the case that air travel isn't a luxury, but a critical national infrastructure—one that must be protected and improved if Canada wants to remain globally competitive. If you've ever wondered why flying within Canada is so expensive or why regional routes are disappearing, this episode connects the dots and offers a path forward. Show Notes: A. Canadian Transportation Act – Section 5 Objectives [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/C-10.4.pdf]   The Canadian Transportation Act is in place to guide policy. The declared objectives are listed in section 5, parts a-e. B. Bob Cummings & Richard Bartrem LinkedIn post on Canadian air sector reform [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bob-cummings-3a69b7159_over-the-last-six-months-i-have-been-working-activity-7244838445825622016-n-V4]  Bob Cummings, Richard Bartrem LinkedIn post on needed reforms in Canada’s air transportation. C. Cummings/Bartrem analysis of IATA’s forecast on Canadian air travel decline [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/iata-forecast-shows-canadian-air-travel-growth-fall-behind-cummings-zgaac]  Cummings/Bartrem analysis of IATA’s forecast on Canadian air travel decline. D. Industry Questions to Political Parties: Read it here [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/canadian-council-for-sustainable-aviation-fuels-conseil-canadien-de-carburants-aviation-durables_c-saf-questions-to-political-parties-activity-7315058872887513089-pRo7?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAACYOqG4B-KYyCPJK2_NRZFCmzOm4xcmJWUc&utm_source=social_share_send&utm_campaign=messages] A recent letter from aviation industry associations, posing key questions to federal political parties. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409279/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409279/support]