Not Your Typical “Year in Review”

Another New Year and another excuse for publications to post their annual 2012 Yearly Reviews.

I just read the following end of year statement about the state of aviation:

“A European economic slowdown caused a decrease in aviation traffic; this included many companies that were once key players declaring bankruptcy; however despite all the negative news, many new orders were placed, especially for clients in Russia and China…”

At this point you are probably nodding your head remembering this all happened in 2012.

Except this is from a piece I found written in 2008.

Aviation (like many industries) is not only cyclical, but also very repetitive. One companies’ misfortune in a given year is another ones fortune. Without fail, any significant fleet expansion either never happens, or when it does the company collapses from trying to grow too fast.

While following aviation trends for the past ten years, I have observed the same things happen year in and year out.

So instead of my industry observations, rather let me give you a behind-the-scene view from someone who travels for work. This year I travelled over 150,000 miles around-the-world meeting with clients, vendors, and attending trade shows. As I have a family and am very cost conscious, my time in most places is just long enough to have as many meetings as possible before I depart. Any sightseeing is limited or nonexistent.

But along the way one does pick-up on a few interesting things, that may be amusing to others.

So here is a my best and worst yearly review for 2012:

Best Trade Show: EBACE – No doubt about it. The sheer size of some of the booths and the amazing architecture makes this Geneva based show hands down the world’s best aviation exhibition.

Worst Trade Show: Business Airport World Expo in Cannes, France was a disappointment for foot traffic. Fortunately for us many of our clients and vendors had booths, so it ended being a productive few days. Hopefully next year in Farnborough is better.

Best Hotel: The Shanghai Hilton, one of the official hotels of ABACE was the closest thing to a perfect hotel. The staff was very friendly, the food delicious, plus so many of our clients and vendors stayed there.

Worst Hotel: The Best Western in Hong Kong. A total dump is putting it politely. The room had no closet and I am still trying to figure out what exactly that “food” was in the breakfast buffet.

After visiting over 100 clients and vendors this year, here are some more best and worst observations.

Best Office View: Probably World Fuel Dubai. Their view of the Jumeirah Lake area stands out as very impressive.

Most interesting Meal: One of our clients took us to a restaurant overlooking Hong Kong airport for Dim Sum. Nothing beats having genuine Dim Sum with an excellent view and company.

Weirdest Meal: Our waiter at the Zurich Holiday Inn kept telling us he had nothing available on the menu. Giving up, I asked him if we could just have tap water for dinner, and once again he informed us “not available.” He then went to talk to his manager and upon returning let us know chicken and water were available. Never figured that out.

Best City: I would have to give a tie to San Diego and Paris. Still two of my favorite places. Sofia gets a close second with Newark, NJ as a close third.

Worst City: I will not write this since many of our clients live in this city.

Most Expensive Item: A 35 dollar hamburger in Geneva and any other meal for that matter in Switzerland.

Cheapest Item: I took 7 people out to dinner in Phoenix for filet mignon and everyone got a drink. The bill came to $150. Best deal.

Nicest People: Honestly everyone was very nice to us. Occasionally we would have some tough customers, but that is what we are here for and we welcome the challenge…and all the questions.

Best Thing I learned: Easy answer. The people who were the nicest and most talkative (and who asked few questions) tended to not give us much if any business. Those that asked the tough questions and were not as friendly or talkative ended up being the best clients. We observed this over-and-over again.

I hope you all enjoyed this other side to Aviation travels (my goal is always to provide a fresh angle) and wish everyone a Happy New Year and look forward to many blogs in 2013.

And please, I encourage you to comment on the blog, it would be very much appreciated, even if you think it is stupid.

And if you do comment enough times, then the steak in Phoenix next time is on me. You can return the favor by paying for a meal in Switzerland…