The Principal

Background

Chris Smith has worked in the air transport industry since graduating from the University of Oxford in 1974. He gained his PhD for research into the relationship of Birmingham Airport with local commerce and industry, before joining Thomson Travel (now part of Tui). He then became a management consultant in 1980, working for leading firms specialising in the industry. During the last 30 years, he has gained extensive world-wide experience in all aspects of the aviation industries covering airports, airlines, air traffic control organisations, ground handling agents, government bodies and other regulatory agencies. His work has been for companies already working in or governing the sector, as well as for private sector organisations considering investment. He has worked in more than 60 countries around the world during the course of more than 200 individual consultancy assignments. Levels of client satisfaction have been high, with much 'repeat business', and many relationships lasting years with several being measured in decades.

Chris provides policy and strategic advice to Boards and senior executives based on a thorough and pragmatic understanding of the economics of the air transport industry. He is a specialist in the preparation of business plans, drawing on his expertise in structural and market analysis, traffic and revenue forecasting, industry restructuring, and air transport policy development. These skills have been applied during privatisation and corporatisation exercises, valuations and investment appraisals, and general business planning. He is frequently asked to give key note addresses or to chair industry conferences.