Testimonials

Aviation is an industry shaped by passion, resilience, and constant reinvention. Few embody this better than Regis Adam, one of the instructors in the Advanced Master in Air Transport Management (AMATM). From early encounters with aircraft in France to senior roles across global airlines, his career reflects an industry that has transformed dramatically—yet continues to inspire.

HKIAA recently sat down with Regis to explore his journey, the shifts he has witnessed, and his aspirations for the next generation of aviation professionals.

A Lifelong Passion That Took Flight Early

Regis's aviation story began long before his professional life. Despite travelling very little as a child, he was mesmerised by aircraft. His first flight—Nice to Paris at age ten—left an indelible mark. Regular visits to the Paris Air Show deepened that fascination, made even more exciting by opportunities to see iconic aircraft like the Concorde and Boeing 747 up close through invitations from a family friend.

Driven by curiosity, he earned his private pilot's license at just 17, an achievement which reflected both his ambition and his love for flying. Although he ultimately chose not to pursue a commercial pilot career due to its cost and long-term commitments, flying remained a meaningful part of his personal journey.

Building a Global Aviation Career

Regis's academic path included management studies at HEC Paris (a leading business school) with a major in marketing—an unconventional route for someone so in love with aircraft, but ideal for understanding the business of aviation. A training opportunity at Air France became the pivotal step that launched his career, even though internships at the time offered no salary.

After completing his military service (choosing the Navy over the Air Force), Regis strengthened his expertise with a postgraduate diploma in transport and logistics. He then returned to Air France, beginning a career that would see him take on strategic roles across continents.

One of the most influential chapters of his career was his time with Jet Airways in India, an experience that broadened his perspective on airline operations in fast-growing markets. His postings later took him to Canada, adding further international depth to his understanding of network operations, commercial strategy, and cultural dynamics in aviation management.

Today, his passion for the industry has also passed to the next generation—his son graduated from ENAC and now works at Airbus, continuing the family's aviation “DNA,” as Regis fondly calls it.

Witnessing—and Shaping—Industry Evolution

With decades of frontline experience, Regis has had a front-row seat to seismic shifts in the airline industry:

• The decline of legacy airline giants, whose fall highlighted the importance of strong domestic markets.
• The rise of low-cost carriers, fuelled by deregulation and new business models that opened up travel to millions.
• The emergence of powerful Middle Eastern hubs, where their flagship airlines built global connectivity without large home markets.
• Complex mergers between two major European airlines where maintaining separate national identities were essential for traffic rights and market access.

Despite constant change—and the industry’s chronic struggle with profitability—Regis remains optimistic. He believes the sector is fundamentally robust, full of opportunities, and poised for growth, especially across Asia.

A Mentor for the Next Generation

In the classroom, Regis brings not just knowledge but a global, lived experience. He enjoys interacting with the diverse cohorts, especially students from civil aviation authorities and emerging markets, where growth is rapid and challenges are unique.

His advice is timeless:

Stay curious. Verify information. Learn continuously.

In a world where data is abundant—but not always reliable—discernment is essential.

As his students prepare to graduate, he leaves them with three guiding words:

Confidence. Ambition. Application.

Believe in your capabilities. Aim high. And use your knowledge—because learning only matters when it's put into action.