Aviation Business News Cast Interview with Hemal Bharadva, Director of Operations & Engineering at aviationscouts GmbH

Lee Hayhurst: Welcome to the final ABNcast interview of 2024. We’re here at the aviationscouts GmbH stand, and I’m joined by Hemal Bharadva, the Director of Operations and Engineering. Hemal, thank you for having us on your stand to chat today.

Hemal Bharadva: Thank you, Lee. It’s great to be here.

Lee: To start, could you briefly explain what aviationscouts GmbH does and what you’re showcasing at the expo this week?

Hemal: Absolutely. Aviationscouts GmbH is a 25-year-old company that specializes in reintroducing used aircraft interiors back into the market. We buy and sell various aircraft interior components, including seats, lavatories, galleys, bins, PSUs, and spare parts from these assemblies. We focus on a sustainable, reuse strategy to bring these components back into circulation.

Lee: Sustainability is clearly at the heart of your operations. Reuse and recycling are essential for environmental responsibility, aren’t they?

Hemal: Yes, exactly. Our primary goal is to extend the life of cabin components that would otherwise be scrapped. The best way to practice sustainability is by maximizing the lifespan of these parts. Our mission is to give them another chance to fly.

Lee: Take seats, for instance—how old are the seats when you receive them, and what does the refurbishment process involve?

Hemal: On average, the seats we receive are about six to seven years old. This is typically when national carriers or large operators decide to upgrade for marketing reasons or due to passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions. Once we receive the seats, they go through a thorough cleaning and repair process. We may also customize them slightly, such as adding new dress covers or changing seat belts, before delivering them to the next operator. This refurbishment supports not only sustainability but also the entire aftermarket supply chain, giving opportunities to various vendors.

Lee: As the aviation sector evolves, does the design of components make it easier for you to repurpose them? Are manufacturers considering this?

Hemal: That’s something we’re working to influence. While aviation components are designed to be lightweight for efficiency, they aren’t always designed with reuse in mind due to a lack of processes. We’re fostering discussions with OEMs to encourage more sustainable designs. The goal is modularity—clip-in and clip-out components that make refurbishment easier. There’s been progress, such as reducing the number of part numbers in seat designs, which simplifies maintenance and enhances sustainability.

Lee: What trends and discussions have you been seeing at the expo this week?

Hemal: We’ve had productive conversations, particularly about A330 programs. There’s been significant interest from ACMI operators who are planning retrofits for these aircraft, which is great news for us as we have strong A330 inventory. Overall, there’s growing recognition of how our solutions help reduce lead times and carbon footprints. While the industry has faced supply chain issues, our programs offer quicker alternatives compared to waiting 12 to 13 months for new seats.

Lee: Supply chain challenges have been a major topic across the sector. How is this impacting you?

Hemal: The supply chain issues are affecting both components and aircraft availability. Right now, there’s a bit of stagnation because new wide-bodied aircraft are not yet coming into the market at the pace expected. Once Airbus and Boeing increase production, the market will shift, especially for narrow-body aircraft. Operators are currently holding onto their aircraft to keep them operational, but this will change as production ramps up.

Lee: It’s clear that the industry has been adapting since the pandemic. How has that period shaped aviationscouts GmbH?

Hemal: The pandemic was a time of reflection and adaptation for everyone, including us. It exposed vulnerabilities but also highlighted the resilience of the industry. For aviationscouts, it was an opportunity to review and strengthen our internal processes. Companies that could adapt have emerged stronger, and we are proud to be among them.

Lee: The pandemic also revealed challenges in retaining talent. Has the industry been able to recover?

Hemal: We did lose some great talent to other industries, and attracting new talent has been challenging. Aviation is competing with industries offering better packages, so we need to reignite the passion for working in this sector. Engaging with the younger generation and showcasing the exciting aspects of aviation is key. As a global company, we’re exploring talent from various regions, including the Philippines and India, and we welcome the support of policies like Germany’s open-door approach to immigration.

Lee: Sustainability continues to be a focus for aviation, despite its inherent challenges. How do you convey that purpose to new talent and the industry?

Hemal: It’s about recognizing aviation’s unique role in connecting people and fostering economic growth, much like trains did for nations. Yes, we’re working with machines that burn fossil fuels, but our efforts to reuse and extend the life of cabin parts contribute positively. Our vision is to create a catalog where new planes could potentially be fitted with high-quality, reused interiors. Whether we fully achieve that or not, it’s a step toward sustainable innovation.

Lee: That’s an inspiring goal. Thank you, Hemal, for sharing these insights. I hope you’ve had a productive week at the expo and enjoy some well-deserved rest.

Hemal: Thank you, Lee. It’s been a busy but rewarding week. We’re looking forward to continuing these conversations and the opportunities ahead.

Lee: Great to hear. Thanks again, Hemal.

Hemal: Thank you. See you soon!