Don Landsborough

With 40 years’ experience in airline MRO technical disciplines, the majority in leadership, Don’s particular strengths are in digging to the root of Engineering & Maintenance issues, determining priorities, team-building, getting people on his side, cultural awareness and empathy. He has expertise in strategy analysis and execution, engineering and technical process development, new start-ups, interim management. His experience includes: Senior engineering management roles with TUI Group in Germany, Air Astana in Kazakhstan, Airbus Toulouse where he was Technical Director for its Asset Management as well as in several UK airlines. Don has also consulted for a major USA engine OEM establishing a world-leading fuel conservation programme. He has also worked with a SE Asian airline to analyse engineering failings and establish a rescue plan; developed start-up E&M requirements for several new airlines – concept and implementation; performed due diligences on E&M for potential airline purchases, recommending acceptance or rejection. In addition he has restructured Engineering Departments at several airlines, establishing cost savings, improvements in efficiency, motivation of manpower; performed fleet rollovers – requirements analysis, selection, specification, purchase; fleet rationalisation; aircraft disposals; introduction of ETOPS at three airlines, recruited to regain lost ETOPS Approval at another; negotiation of components contracts, engine maintenance contracts and a major E&M outsourcing exercise for a large group of airlines involving over 150 aircraft. Don has worked in many countries in Europe, North Africa, SE and Central Asia and relishes the challenges of working in a multi-cultural environment. Having grown up in SE Asia, he speaks Hokkien fluently.