AJW Aviation appoints Ian Smith as Key Account Director as the organisation continues to establish a new team of highly experienced professionals to drive change and spearhead new initiatives. He will be responsible for the development and evolution of business partnerships with key customers, particularly in new markets or service areas.
His extensive operator background and broad technical experience means he speaks the same language as AJW"™s airline customers and understands their commercial and operational challenges. In addition, Smith has a significant track record of aircraft acquisition & disposal and in-service support through the negotiation and management of multiple projects with aircraft manufacturers and lessors.
Smith joins AJW from Flybe where he was Director of Engineering & Maintenance responsible for the management of a large team covering engineering, maintenance control, supply chain, and line maintenance. Prior to that he ran a consulting firm working with multiple clients within the aviation industry advising on the optimisation of engineering and maintenance strategy, operations, contractual arrangements and systems. Further operational and technical experience came through roles with Wizz Air (Technical Director), Thomsonfly (Head of Supply Chain & Commercial, Head of Engineering & Maintenance), Britannia Airways (Manager Operational Performance), and various commercial and operational roles at British Airways. Smith has an MBA from Henley Management College and an Aeronautical Engineering BEng. degree.
Boris Wolstenholme, CEO "“ AJW Aviation, highlights Smith"™s extensive airline background as one of the key reasons why he will be such an important asset to the AJW management team as the organisation expands its capabilities across new platforms and niche tailored services. "Ian has the ideal mind-set to build even stronger relationships with our customers. As the business evolves we need people that have a solid technical knowledge combined with a shrewd commercial sense that not only understand what the airlines need to achieve, but also how AJW can provide the right solutions."
Smith identifies with the AJW culture and business rationale. "In their procurement of aircraft spares support services, airlines are seeking confidence of supply performance, high levels of reliability and a supplier willing to go the extra mile to ensure they get what they want at a competitive total cost. If they can get this standard of support across a range of different services, or different aircraft types, from the same supplier that they trust, this is a distinct advantage."
Smith reports directly to Daniel Watson, CCO "“ AJW Aviation and works closely with the senior management team in the UK and at AJW Technique in Montreal. He is based at AJW"™s corporate headquarters in the UK.
