Dr. Jack Patel & Ms. Kim-Chua

Dr. Jack Patel is currently an Assistant Professor and Academic Development Officer at Embry-Riddle (ERAU) Asia, Singapore.

Having been born and raised in London, UK, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Economics at UCL, master’s degree (M.Sc. Economics and Finance from University of Bristol) and has recently completed his Ed.D. (Doctor in Education) from UCL Institute of Education, London.

Previously, Jack has taught in and led departments since 2005 at all age levels including primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in UK, Japan, UAE and Bahrain. In his time at ERAU Asia, he has joined the executive team, mentor faculty and become a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics and Aerospace. Jack is also developing new curriculum, involved with regulatory compliance and working on campus improvement.

Jack’s research interest lies in the area of the economics of the aviation industry, curriculum design, Problem Based Learning (PBL), flipped classrooms and educational development. Jack has written numerous articles which have been presented at international conferences such as Educon, Edutech, APATS, Redesigning pedagogy and Aviation Fest since 2015.

Ms. Kim-Chua, Assistant Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Asia

Ms. Kim-Chua is currently an Assistant Professor with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Asia and instructing technical communications and aviation social research undergraduate and professional development courses. 

Additionally, she also conducts Aviation English courses for flight ops and is a certified rater for the ICAO Language proficiency requirements for Aviation Personnel.

Concurrently, she is also a part time EdD Doctoral student majoring in Stem Education at the University of Bath (UK).

Ms. Kim-Chua received a Master’s in Asian Studies from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of York. 

A firm believer of global citizenry, Ms. Chua completed a United National University International Course in 2010 for UN Systems, Peace and Human Rights and collaborated with UN practitioners to propose suggestions on pressing global issues, including youth employability, gender equality, diversity and inclusion and sustainable education through the achievement of the SDGs.

More recently, she received a full sponsorship from the East-West Center in Hawaii to participate in the 18th run of the Asia Pacific Leadership Program where she had the opportunity to work on social innovation labs and learn from some of the world’s leading experts on leadership and human performance.

The Long Runway Ahead – Strategies for Hiring, Developing and Retaining Disruptive Talent 

According to recent research into human capital, talent management and retention is emerging swiftly as a key determinant to the success of any organization and training institution that values human capital. This is particularly pertinent in the Aviation and Aerospace industries which are known to be highly complex, dynamic entities that are constantly driven and transformed by market forces, technological, regulatory and economic factors. The supply and demand for Aviation personnel is derived from the supply and demand for Aviation and Aerospace products and services as a whole.

Research is undertaken into the drivers of supply and demand in the Aviation and Aerospace industries along with the ramifications of these market trends on the recruitment and retention of aviation personnel. Particular issues in recruitment and retention such as addressing the shortages in pilots and MRO employees are discussed along with possible recommendations to help alleviate, if not mitigate, such challenges. As Aviation and Aerospace companies work to remain competitive, or even try to disrupt the industries, innovation has now become a required and critical business capability. Finding and retaining the right disruptive talent who can challenge the status quo, to defend against threats as well as capitalize on the opportunities that digital technologies and new business models present, is key to driving innovation.

While greater research is required into the complex nature of supply and demand for aviation personnel, this study recommends for integrated solutions with aligned incentives across all stakeholders, including firms, regulators and academic institutions within the aviation industry in order to recruit and retain the best talent for the benefit of all industry stakeholders.

The purpose of this presentation is to evaluate the supply and demand factors for aviation personnel and propose strategies for hiring, developing and retaining disruptive talent in the Aviation and Aerospace industries.