Marc Ayala

My crew and me on my last deployment to Afghanistan Today is Veterans Day. As you probably know, Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of hostilities in World War I—the Great War. The armistice went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Since then, we’ve chosen to honor not only those who served in that war but all who have worn the uniform of their nation. In the United States, Congress later renamed the holiday Veterans Day. In...

In the fast-evolving world of aviation, operational excellence isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. Airlines, airports, and other aviation stakeholders must constantly adapt to changes in technology, regulation, and consumer expectations. This blog explores the principles of aviation excellence, offering insights on how organizations can achieve it.

In the spring of 2002, during my first deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, I found myself at the center of a logistical mystery that would leave me humbled, wiser, and with a better understanding of how complex systems really work.