Thomas Dunstan, Director General of the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (the BCAA), has had a lifelong fascination with aircraft and aviation since he was a young boy growing up in Bermuda. He was fortunate to be able to follow his dream and studied Aviation Management and Flight Operations at Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire, earning a B.Sc. and attaining his FAA and Canadian commercial pilot licenses with multi-engine instrument and instructor ratings.
For 10 years, Thomas worked at the Department of Airport Operations, successfully advancing through increasingly senior positions, from Supervisor, Terminals, to Commercial Manager, and finally to Manager, Air Operations. During his tenure at the Bermuda Airport, he played a crucial role in its certification process and was instrumental in the development of Quality Assurance and Safety Management Systems.
In 2006, Thomas joined the Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation, serving as its Director until October 2016 when it underwent a transition to a quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization (QUANGO) known as the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority. Since then, he has served as the Director General of the BCAA, overseeing its operations and regulatory functions.
Regulating Excellence
The BCAA holds the critical responsibility of regulating and overseeing aviation in Bermuda, including all aircraft registered under the Bermuda Aircraft Registry. It is worth noting that the BCAA is ranked as the largest offshore registry and ranks tenth overall in the world in terms of size.
Despite being a United Kingdom Overseas Territory, Bermuda has its separate safety oversight system, distinct from that of the UK. The regulatory framework is established in the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order (AN(OT)O), and compliance with these regulations is achieved through the Overseas Territory Aviation Requirements (OTARs). The OTARs align fully with the standards and recommended practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Bermuda Aircraft Registry consists of a diverse array of aircraft, encompassing both private and commercial aircraft operated under a Bermuda Air Operator Certificate (AOC) or Article 83bis Agreements of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. This means that the Registry can accommodate various types of aircraft, including business jets like the 787s, 747s, and 777s, as well as larger commercial-sized aircraft.
To ensure global coverage and seamless operations, the Registry has inspectors stationed at its main offices in Bermuda and Farnborough (UK). Additionally, designated and contracted inspectors are strategically placed worldwide, including in countries like Canada, China, Romania, Switzerland, and the U.S.
Customer service excellence and an impeccable safety record are fundamental pillars of the BCAA’s value proposition and business model. Their guiding motto, “Putting you at the center of everything we do,” emphasizes a customer-centric approach to both internal and external stakeholders, reflecting the BCAA’s commitment to their mission on a daily basis.
Continuous Learning and Trust
In the past, Thomas has been committed to personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the importance of continuous education, both formally through conferences and informally through networking opportunities. Staying updated and learning from others helps him enhance his skills and knowledge, enabling him to contribute effectively to the organization’s growth.
Thomas is driven by the belief that the organization should constantly evolve and avoid complacency. Instead of resting on past achievements, he believes in developing regular strategic plans to drive the BCAA forward. These plans focus on exploring market opportunities, increasing brand awareness, and hiring the right talent to foster the organization’s growth and development. Thomas sees his own growth as intertwined with the growth of the organization, striving to advance in sync with its progress.
Learning from mistakes and seeking inspiration from others are integral aspects of Thomas’s leadership philosophy. He acknowledges that no one is perfect, including himself, and believes in being open and vulnerable when necessary. Thomas values the human aspect of leadership and believes in taking care of his team members. He recognizes that a successful organization depends on a supportive and motivated team, and by nurturing and empowering them, they, in turn, will provide excellent service to the customers.
In his leadership approach, Thomas emphasizes building trust among team members. By acknowledging imperfections and demonstrating vulnerability, he fosters an environment of trust, which is vital for developing strong professional relationships in the workplace. Thomas’s commitment to humanity and caring for his team forms the foundation of his leadership style, enabling him to lead with empathy and effectiveness.
Resilience and Success in Aviation
Thomas feels he has been very fortunate in his aviation career to date. While it hasn’t been without its challenges, any barriers he has faced haven’t been particularly significant. Perhaps the most difficult time was right after he had successfully studied and trained to be a pilot. Right around the time he obtained all his licenses, the first Gulf War started, and he couldn’t find a flying job in the U.S. or Canada. So, he moved back to Bermuda, and after working at a couple of non-aviation jobs, he was hired by Airport Operations at the Bermuda International Airport.
In aviation, one needs to have a plan, but also be prepared with contingency plans, as things don’t always go according to the original plan. Being flexible and ready to adapt has proven to be invaluable for Thomas over the last few years. He recognizes that in the dynamic field of aviation, unexpected situations can arise, and the ability to adjust and respond swiftly is essential for success.
Leading from the Skies
As the Director General, Thomas is tasked with overseeing all facets of the BCAAs operations, both technical and corporate in nature. His role is crucial in developing and implementing strategic plans, and he plays a pivotal role in staff hiring and succession planning, ensuring that the organization maintains a competent and capable workforce.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Thomas also holds a position on the BCAA Board of Directors, contributing to the governance and decision-making processes of the organization.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Thomas’s daily routine is witnessing the satisfaction of customers as they take their aircraft to the skies. Knowing that he and his team have played a part in ensuring a smooth and successful flight brings him a great sense of joy and accomplishment. This customer-centric approach underscores his commitment to providing unparalleled service and exemplifies the core values of the BCAA.
Overcoming Adversity
Over the past three years, the aviation industry, including the BCAA, faced numerous challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions severely impacted air travel worldwide. Despite this, the BCAA adapted by implementing a work-from-home model and collaborating with clients to navigate the pandemic successfully.
In February 2022, a new crisis arose when Russia invaded Ukraine without provocation. International sanctions were imposed on Russia, which had a catastrophic impact on the BCAA’s ability to oversee Russian-operated aircraft registered under the Bermuda Registry. Consequently, on 12th March 2022, the BCAA was forced to suspend airworthiness certificates for over 700 Bermuda-registered aircraft operated by Russian airlines, leading to a sharp decline in revenue and posing additional challenges for the organization.
Despite facing these unprecedented challenges, the BCAA remains steadfast in its commitment to growth and diversification. The organization is actively exploring new avenues to achieve these goals and overcome the obstacles it has encountered. Thomas expresses immense pride in the resilience and adaptability of his team, as they have demonstrated their ability to succeed even in the face of adversity and unprecedented industry conditions. He believes that the BCAA has emerged stronger than ever, thanks to the determination and dedication of its members.
Dynamic Success
For Thomas, success is not static. It means different things at different times. While many value company growth, he believes how a company succeeds matters just as much. The BCAA achieved success through increased aircraft registrations and team growth. However, success for them also includes safety commitment, regulatory compliance, excellent service, and adaptability. They aim for a well-rounded, enduringly successful organization.
Building a Resilient Future
The BCAA has been diligently focused on succession planning, growth, and diversification over the past several years. To achieve these goals, the Authority has employed various tactics, including seconding staff to different organizations worldwide and actively marketing the Bermuda Registry to new regions like Asia and the Middle East.
Unfortunately, the imposition of international sanctions on Russia significantly impacted the BCAA’s revenues, as a substantial portion of the aircraft on the Registry were operated by Russian airlines. Consequently, diversification and shifting business development focus to new markets have become crucial priorities for the Authority to mitigate such risks.
In the long term, the BCAA aims to become a prominent advocate for environmental sustainability within the aviation industry. Embracing technological advancements will be key to reducing the organization’s carbon footprint, furthering its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Amidst these priorities, the BCAA remains steadfast in delivering outstanding customer service and preserving its exemplary safety record. These core values continue to be at the heart of the organization’s mission and operations, ensuring that they continue to excel in providing top-notch services while upholding safety standards.
By adapting to new challenges, fostering diversification, and championing sustainability, the BCAA is positioning itself for a resilient and successful future in the aviation industry.
Unveiling the Boundless Horizons
Thomas advises the next generation of aviation leaders that the aviation industry offers boundless possibilities and requires a deep passion for aviation. It is more than just a job; it becomes a way of life. Embrace the fact that aviation can open doors to incredible opportunities both personally and on a global scale.
Above all, prioritize safety at all times and never compromise on it. Avoid taking shortcuts, and always adhere to the highest safety standards. Make decisions based on doing the right thing, even if it may be challenging or demanding. Remember that in aviation, the right choice is often not the easy one.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
