Photo Caption: J. Robert Duncan Endowed Professorship of Technical Operations will help prepare future leaders to support safe, reliable aircraft operations

LINCOLN, NEB. — The Duncan Aviation Family Trust has established the J. Robert Duncan Endowed Professorship of Technical Operations at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, marking the first endowed professorship in the college’s history.

This initiative builds upon a decades-long Duncan Aviation legacy of actively investing in the future of business aviation. Guided by genuine care and support from the Duncan family, for the business aviation community, Duncan Aviation takes a long-term approach to advancing the industry, ensuring the next generation of technical leaders is equipped to excel.

Named in honor of Duncan Aviation Chairman Emeritus Robert Duncan, the professorship reflects his longstanding commitment to developing people, strengthening technical expertise, and advancing the business aviation industry. The permanent faculty position will support education, research, curriculum development, and leadership in aviation technical operations.

“Duncan Aviation is thrilled to collaborate with Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation,” said Andy Richards, Chief Operating Officer of Duncan Aviation’s Michigan operations. “WMU’s aviation program is recognized internationally for its leadership in aviation education and serves as an essential element in Duncan Aviation’s talent pipeline. As the industry expands in scope and complexity, WMU has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence. We value this exceptional institution as our partner.”

The Endowed Professor of Technical Operations will help keep WMU’s programs aligned with the evolving needs of aircraft operators, maintenance organizations, manufacturers, and regulators. Areas of focus will include aviation maintenance leadership, safety systems, regulatory frameworks, technical management, and operational best practices.

The position will also provide students with mentorship and greater access to experienced aviation professionals who understand the real-world demands of maintaining and supporting modern aircraft.

“This is a meaningful investment in our students and our college,” said Dr. Raymond Thompson, Dean of WMU’s College of Aviation. “Duncan Aviation understands the strength of this industry depends on how well we prepare the next generation of technical operations professionals. This professorship will strengthen our ability to deliver the kind of education that connects directly to the needs of the field.”

The professorship will support the development of several new academic pathways, including a technical leadership pathway within the aviation technical operations bachelor’s degree program, an aviation technical leadership certificate, and a future graduate program in aviation maintenance leadership.

These programs are intended to prepare professionals who can combine hands-on technical expertise with the leadership, communication, and decision-making skills required to manage complex aircraft maintenance and operational environments.

“Despite being a highly technical field, our industry relies on the talent and passion of its people to drive progress,” Richards said.

Duncan Aviation has partnered with WMU’s College of Aviation for many years through internships, scholarships, operational support, and hands-on learning opportunities. The company established an aviation maintenance internship program for WMU students in 2008 and created a maintenance scholarship in 2014. Duncan Aviation and WMU also share a presence at Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field and have collaborated on educational experiences such as the WMU Aviation Summer Camp.

Duncan Aviation hopes graduates who benefit from the professorship will go on to serve throughout the aviation industry, including potentially joining Duncan Aviation’s teams. Strengthening the pipeline of skilled aviation professionals will help the company continue providing customers with the technical expertise, quality, and responsive service they depend on.

The gift was announced March 25, 2026, in conjunction with WMU’s Giving Day and reinforces the organizations’ shared commitment to preparing the next generation of aviation professionals.

Students interested in aviation maintenance careers or internship opportunities with Duncan Aviation can learn more at DuncanAviation.aero/careers.

About WMU’s College of Aviation

Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation is one of the largest and most respected aviation programs in the country. With more than 1,200 undergraduate students, state-of-the-art facilities, a robust fleet and programs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, WMU provides a comprehensive aviation education grounded in Experience-Driven Learning and strong industry partnerships. Recognized among the six best flight schools in the world by Study International, the college offers the only comprehensive aviation program at a public university in Michigan and builds on more than 85 years of aviation education and experience.

About Duncan Aviation

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of business aircraft operators, government agencies, and other aircraft service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections and maintenance, engine maintenance and overhauls, major retrofits for cabin and flight deck avionics systems, full paint and interior refurbishment, and preowned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has international aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365 who can handle any aircraft system issue with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory repairs and overhauls. Complete service facilities are located in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. Duncan Aviation also has dozens of support facilities strategically located throughout the United States to provide customers with scheduled regional support and avionics installations and fast worldwide support for avionics, engine and airframe Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations. Visit www.DuncanAviation.aero for more information.

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Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his career in aviation and has worked in most areas of our industry with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc currently represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Continued Airworthiness Group and with the Association for Remotely Piloted Aviation Services (ARPAS). 

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities.  The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after six years to continue our good work for industry. With the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to undertake this work with the regulator including regular discussions and a full industry day with the CAA each year.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum, which allows industry in the UK to discuss the financial plans for the CAA and look closely at the services being delivered to industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. 

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform” .  The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. 

The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Moving into 2026 we are seeking to further develop the pathways to enter aviation, and this effort is being supported with development of multimedia platforms with the organisation Metaverse. This multimedia approach is being developed so that it is more relatable to the next generation of people wishing to join aviation in a myriad of roles.

In the role of President (honorary) Marc can support the BBGA in many aspects and continue to ensure that we retain the right connections across industry, with regulators in the UK, regulators in the EU and wherever possible help hold government and its departments to account using normal channels, and where necessary utilise All Party-Political Groups for aviation.

BBGA Universal Aviation 2026 Golf Tournament

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British Business and General Aviation Association

Join BBGA

British Business and General Aviation Association

James Carroll

Alison Chambers

Paul Cremer

Jason Hayward

James Moreton

James Hardie

Aoife O’Sullivan

Alex Durand

Marc Bailey

Sarah Towerzey

Heather Gordon

Lindsey Oliver