Welcome to the #PaxEx Podcast, which tracks the evolution of the airline passenger experience and aviation’s sustainability initiatives.

We’re pleased to share our interview with longtime industry veteran and former Virgin Australia Group executive John Thomas, who is credited with creating the airline ancillary revenue model.

After a few years of preparation, John Thomas is launching a unique new business in the regional airline industry under the holding company Smart Green Aviation Group. It intends to ultimately operate hydrogen-powered turboprops for multiple airlines under the Connect Airlines brand, a plan that syncs nicely with Pittsburgh International Airport’s strategy for creating a ‘clean energy’ hub at the airport.

We caught up with John at the Future Travel Experience World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, as hosted by Pittsburgh International Airport and Carnegie Mellon University.

Please enjoy our full recorded interview below.

Related Podcasts:

• #PaxEx Podcast: Christina Cassotis talks PIT enhancements
• #PaxEx Podcast: Deep dive with ZeroAvia CEO Val Miftakhov
• #PaxEx Podcast: A conversation with Breeze Airways’ Fiona Kiesel

Music license: Adventurous Life by L-Ray Music, PremiumBeat by Shutterstock