Candidates

Peter Blakeney, Vice President Aircraft Trading

Apollo Aviation Management Limited

Peter has 8 years’ experience in the aircraft finance and leasing market in Ireland. He is currently Vice President of Trading at Apollo Aviation and his primary responsibility is the purchase and sale of aircraft within the portfolio. Peter qualified in Trinity College Dublin, before moving to Australia to work in engineering. He returned to Ireland to complete a Master’s Degree in Management at Smurfit Business School Dublin, before joining Apollo Aviation in 2010.

Peter has been an active member of ISTAT since 2015, attending and participating in events around the world. He has immersed himself in the ISTAT community   and   is   currently   a   member  of   the   ISTAT   EMEA Conference
Committee, with a particular focus on sourcing sponsorship. Peter is also the Irish representative on the ISTAT Internship Committee, with the aim of encouraging company participation in the scheme.

Outside of ISTAT, Peter has been heavily involved with promoting Aviation in Ireland. He has developed a chain of networking events, which have become a notable fixture on the Irish calendar. In addition, the society has grown into a major source of funding for local charities in Ireland, which enables the aviation industry to support the community in a very positive manner.

Peter would be a great addition to the ISTAT Board and would bring a variety of key attributes including enthusiasm, energy and a fresh perspective. His active role, combined with his demonstrable history of endorsing the aviation industry, shows that he has the positive and innovative outlook to continue growing ISTAT’s membership value going forward. Peter is currently living in Dublin. He enjoys travel, especially to countries where he can develop his scuba diving skills. He is passionate about all types of sport, particularly cycling, and has represented Ireland internationally at several sports.

Mark Dunnachie, Chief Commercial Officer

AerFin

My true association with ISTAT goes back over 15 years when Colin Molloy (then with Finnair) invited me to join the European convention. I was immediately impressed with the scope and expertise of the Association and since then have been a loyal supporter, member, panel speaker and attendee at many of the events. I also accepted Todd Freeman’s kind invitation to serve on the ISTAT Foundation, where I eventually held the Chairmanship of the Grants Committee. A cause that was very close  to  my  heart  since  it  reflected,  to  me,  one  of  the core
principals of ISTAT, namely the continuity and growth of our great industry across multiple platforms and encouraging the future generations.

My career to date covers over 28 years in the Industry. Having graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in Maritime Commerce, I was offered a unique opportunity to join a small regional airline from Rotterdam to London City with Dornier 228s. Once the smell of aviation fuel hit me, it was clear that this was where I wished to build my career. After the successful set up and launch of the airline I made a speculative application to BAE Systems Commercial Aircraft in 1990. I was offered a position in their Hatfield Marketing team and joined as a Market Planning Officer. Upon returning to BAE, I set about making myself an expert on the then-emerging Vietnam market and gradually progressed through the ranks to become a Sales Director EMEA. After 10 great years at BAE that took me from Hatfield to Woodford and Toulouse, I joined the then-fast growing Embraer. I enjoyed 17 wonderful years where Finnair and KLM become two of my successes. I then moved to Dublin in 2008 to assume the role of Managing Director ECC Leasing. Five years later, I was assigned to Head up Asia Pacific for Embraer Commercial Aviation and spent the last 4 years in Singapore. In June of 2017, we decided as a family to return to Europe and I felt it was time for a new challenge. I therefore accepted the role of CCO with AerFin, joining Bob James and the team. AerFin is only 7 years old, but it has already been honoured in the recent 2017 Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 by being named as the UK’s fastest growing private company. AerFin is now over 80% owned by CarVal, (part of the Cargill Group). We are facing an exciting future as we continue to expand the company and scope of our services and I am thoroughly enjoying this new challenge. Now that I have returned to Europe, I wish to again become more involved with ISTAT and hence my decision to put my name forward for the Board.

I am a great believer in the continued growth of ISTAT across all the regions, something I tried to push very strongly as the Chair of the Grants Committee from Singapore. The Association has enjoyed tremendous success and growth and I would like to actively work to support this continued path. I also have some new ideas to potentially bring to the table.

I am a Scot, married with two sons (ages 13 & 17). My wife is French and whilst she and the family will always take centre stage, my second and close passion will always be aviation. Aside from that, I am a keen amateur cyclist and love global travel. I am also fluent in French & Dutch.

It would be an honor to serve ISTAT again and I hope my candidature is of interest to you and the committee and I remain of course available to answer any additional questions that you may have.

Mark Ebanks, Senior Vice President, Commercial – Americas

CDB Aviation Americas

Mark L. Ebanks joined CDB Aviation Americas as SVP Commercial Air /Marketing in September 2017. Forming a marketing team, he is responsible for airline customer relationships, marketing and business development across the Americas. He recently completed a 19-year career at CIT Aerospace, which concluded with the successful sale of the business to Avolon Aircraft Leasing. In his role as Director Commercial Air at CIT, he served as a leading originator, marketing team manager, and a customer-focused business executive. He produced and managed nearly $1b in commercial aircraft financing and operating leases within the Americas region. As a team player, Mark contributed to a transformative business while overseeing a team and office in support of marketing and operational activities for the region.

Prior to CIT Aerospace, Mark worked at United Airlines and the former Eastern Airlines in Miami, where he began in commercial aviation. He participated in various capacities, from aircraft maintenance and engineering to aircraft sales and marketing. During his tenure with the United Services Division, he marketed integrated support services that included engine sales and leasing, flight training, spare parts and maintenance services.

Mark is active in the commercial aviation industry among his peers, serving as a leader for the ISTAT Forum in Latin America. In his role as the Sponsorship Chairman for the ISTAT Latin America Forum, he was a founding committee member who embraced and contributed to a successful launch and the branding of two follow on successful events.

He was instrumental in raising more than $250,000 in sponsorship dollars over the initial three years of the forum. He has recruited regional industry colleagues to serve on the committee who also share the vision to establish the ISTAT platform as the best in class industry networking and forum in Latin America. Mark has recently volunteered with the ISTAT Foundation to serve as an ambassador with the objective of engaging students, schools and airline leaders for the expansion of ISTAT grants and scholarships within Latin America.

As an advocate for the commercial aviation sector, Mark has produced industry symposiums to engage airlines, manufacturers and traders on relevant aircraft and trading topics. Mark remains active in engaging, mentoring and promoting college and graduate students through internships and referrals. He enjoys peering up with industry experts through aircraft in forming and attending networking events, which also benefits charitable organizations.

As he began his commercial aviation career with Eastern Airlines in Miami, he obtained a degree in Aviation Technology. He is active in leading and serving several community charities for the benefits of children and underprivileged youth, having served as annual event chairman for the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital/Life Flight Golf Invitational & Airline Symposium since 2014.

He and his wife of 28 years have four children of which three are currently pursuing their university education. Mark also enjoys recreational outdoor activities that include hiking, scuba diving, boating and the sport of beach volleyball.

Nick Fadugba, Chief Executive Officer

African Aviation Services

Nick Fadugba is a long-standing member of ISTAT and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), UK. He is widely recognised as an authority on the African aviation industry. In 1990, he established African Aviation Services with the raison d’etre of promoting aviation development in Africa.

Nick has provided a wide-range of consultancy and advisory services to international and African aviation organisations and governments, including developing airline business plans; fleet planning; aircraft leasing and finance advisory services; airline route network development; market information research and analysis; reconciliation of aircraft leasing / finance accounts and debt recovery; negotiating acquisition of airport slots and air traffic rights; establishing London Heathrow Airport operations for a foreign airline; and aviation arbitration and dispute resolution. He has also been instrumental    in
fostering business relations between the International aviation community and Africa in critical areas such as Aviation Finance, Aircraft Leasing, Aircraft Maintenance, Air Safety and Aviation Training.

He has been a regular attendee at ISTAT Conferences and functions around the world and has voluntarily served on the ISTAT Scholarship Program for African Students and the Airlink charity. He was also a Guest Speaker at the ISTAT Conference held at The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland in 2005.

Nick is a Committee Member of the Aviation Club of the UK; member of German Aviation Research Society (GARS); the European Aviation Club; the Institute of Directors (IOD), UK; the International Society of Transport Aircraft Traders (ISTAT), USA; is a Volunteer for Airlink, the international aviation charity; and a Launch Member of the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA).

In December 2003, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) presented Mr Fadugba with an Award for his “Outstanding Contribution to the African Aviation Industry.” He was elected Secretary General of AFRAA in 2009 and put it on a commercial footing. He was also presented with a plaque by the USA National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in 2000 for his ‘Outstanding Contribution and Service to Aviation Safety.’

Nick Fadugba has a BSc (Honours), Mass Communication, a Post Graduate Diploma in Air Transport Planning and an MSc (Distinction), Air Transport Planning & Management.

Mark Lee, Chairman

Certified Aviation Services LLC (CAS)

Mark Lee is Chairman and owner of ISTAT member company Certified Aviation Services LLC.

Certified Aviation Services LLC (“CAS”) is the premier independent Line Maintenance provider for International and domestic airlines on the West Coast of the United States. It has additional locations at a total of 12 major airports throughout the country. In addition, CAS has an Aircraft Modification and Recovery Division that provides aircraft repair and modification for commercial aircraft throughout the world. In the past 12 months, it has performed major projects in The United States, the United Kingdom, China, Indonesia, The Philippines,    Africa,
and Thailand. Much of the work has been done on aircraft ultimately owned or managed by ISTAT members.

CAS sponsored the ISTAT Americas meeting in San Diego and the ISTAT EMEA meeting in Edinburgh during 2017. It also sponsored the ISTAT Chalet at the Paris Air Show. CAS Representative, Paulina Vivanco was the Event Captain for the Los Angeles Holiday Reception.

In 2018, CAS is committed to sponsoring ISTAT-Americas and ISTAT-EMEA in Prague. CAS is also committed to be a Platinum sponsor of the ISTAT Chalet and the Farnborough Air Show in July 2018.

Mr. Lee is also Chairman and owner of Aero-mark LLC. Aero-mark LLC has held interests in aerospace related companies over the past 30 years. Mr. Lee has owned and operated companies in many phases of the aerospace business including manufacturing, line maintenance, heavy maintenance, components, service; small engine development and government services.

He is currently serving as a member of the Board of Governors of the Aerospace Industries Association for the second time and serves on the Nominating Committee.

Prior to founding Aero-mark, Mr. Lee had a career in finance and management as a financial analyst for a diversified conglomerate; Chief Financial Officer for a US-Japanese Joint Venture and as President and CEO of American Pacific Corporation, publicly traded company.

Mr. Lee holds a degree in Economics from UCLA and a MBA from Stanford University, Graduate School of Business. He has a Certified Public Accountant Certificate (no longer active). He was an instructor at the US Naval Postgraduate School Department of Management in Monterey, California before beginning his business career.

He served three years of Active Duty in the US Navy attaining the rank of Lieutenant.

Mr. Lee resides in Newport Beach with his wife, Patricia.  They have one married daughter.

Statement of Interest and Experience  --  ISTAT Board of Directors Election

Mark Lee, Chairman Certified Aviation Services (“CAS”)

As a member of the ISTAT Board of Directors, I would contribute to the knowledge of the organization with experience in the more granular aspects of aircraft ownership and operation.

ISTAT was established by people interested primarily in the capital needs and financing aspects of ownership.  Ownership of aircraft by non-operators has continued to grow.  These changes require aircraft owners to be much more involved in issues beyond just the financial aspects.

The changing structure of aircraft operators requires rethinking in the best ways to protecting aircraft desirability and enhance residual values.  Outsourcing of maintenance, emergency repairs, component replacement issues; OEM or PMA parts, IFE changes and end of life disposal and parting out options are all factors that affect the financial returns of aircraft ownership. 

I have owned companies that have participated in all these phases of aircraft manufacturing and service.  These experiences would bring a broad perspective on to the Board and the Membership on issues that impact aircraft values and the structure of aircraft financing documentation.

The CAS line maintenance operation provides insight into maintenance issues and procedures that can affect the residual values of aircraft and engines.  Our experience with engine washing as a partner with Lufthansa Technik has shown indications that the EGT on some engines seems to deteriorate more quickly if they are not washed regularly.  This information would be useful in structuring engine leasing contracts to optimize residual values of engines or airframes.

I own a separate component repair station.  Our recovery and repair team has done disassembly of aircraft and we have partnered with owners to maximize the returns that can be achieved from recovery.  Parting out has been a lucrative investment model but there are some signs that the model may be changing due to competition and component OEM response to usable parts.

New strategies such as accumulated group buys by several airlines may foreshadow other areas of potential cooperation among buyers and operators.   Common maintenance policies or more standardized configurations could be future areas where changing practices could possibly make movement of aircraft among users more efficient and less costly. 

I serve on the Board of Governors Aerospace Industries Association (“AIA”).  AIA is composed primarily manufacturers and suppliers.  AIA has excellent relations with the FAA.  I am on the Civil Aviation Advisory Council and CAS participates in Civil Aviation Regulatory and Safety Committee.  The CEO’s of the top manufacturers and suppliers attend the meetings with significant time for informal exchange of information. I would be able to be recognize where AIA and ISTAT might have mutual interests that could be beneficially shared.

For these reasons, I bring a broad base of aircraft operational knowledge. I hope that you would consider me a viable candidate for your vote for the ISTAT Board of Directors.

Edward (Ted) O’Byrne, Chief Investment Officer

AerCap

Edward O’Byrne has been Chief Investment Officer at AerCap since January 2011 overseeing aircraft trading, OEM relationships and portfolio management activities. He currently serves in the Group Portfolio and Investment Committee to the Board of Directors.

Mr. O’Byrne joined AerCap in July 2007 as Vice President of Portfolio Management and Trading and was later promoted to Head of Portfolio Management.

Prior to joining AerCap, he worked at Airbus North America and Airbus Leasing Markets.

Mr. O’Byrne received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his BA from EuroMed in France.

(Joe) Ye Tian, Managing Director, Head of Aviation

Ping An International Financial Leasing Company Limited

Joe joined Ping An Leasing in July 2015 as Deputy Managing Director, Deputy Head of Aviation responsible for the global airline marketing and trading activities in Ping An Leasing then-fledgling aviation division. He established the marketing and trading functions within Ping An Leasing and led the team to build up solid business relationships with airlines and investors world-wide, successfully closing more than US$1.5billion worth of aircraft transactions within one year.

In 2016, Joe was promoted to Managing Director, Head of Aviation and appointed to the Board of Directors of Ping An Aircraft Leasing Company Limited, the 100%-owned Irish subsidiary of Ping An Leasing, with responsibility for the entire aircraft leasing business sector. Under his leadership, the company successfully closed Sale and Lease Back transactions
with major international airlines including Latam, Turkish Airlines, Aeromexico, Vietnam Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines for aircraft types including A320Neo, B737Max, A350-900 and B787-9. The financing structures deployed by Ping An have also been improved significantly through diversifying the external short- and long-term financing with global financiers, improving its already highly competitive overall financing cost.

Joe has an arguably unmatched track of business success at a global level, achieved though both overcoming and embracing the cultural differences and language barriers that often exist in international business relations. Before joining Ping An Leasing, he worked for ORIX Corporation of Japan for ten years based in Tokyo, focused largely on the Chinese and North Asian aircraft leasing and financing markets, and successfully built ORIX’s fine reputation in the Chinese aviation market through leading a multitude of aircraft financing, leasing, tax structure, marketing, trading, and remarketing transactions, and leveraging the experience and knowledge of his ORIX colleagues in Ireland and Japan, he has developed a deep understanding of all aspects of aircraft ownership. It is this international outlook that Joe has brought to Ping An’s aviation investment and which has fueled the success of that investment.

Joe has a vast network of senior connections across all sectors of the aviation industry, including airlines, lessors and financiers, and is well known and respected both in China and internationally. He regularly lends his experience to public speaking at global industry events, including ISTAT Asia, over the past few years, and was nominated by industry peers as one of the '40 under 40' top young executives at the Airline Economics Awards 2016. He also has initiated and organised tailored events for top airline clients to introduce them to the Chinese aircraft finance community, which initiative is highly valued by the airlines. Joe holds a MBA degree from Tsukuba University in Japan and a Bachelor of Computer Science from his native Suzhou University in China.