The aviation industry is at the precipice of a major pilot shortage globally. Some data analysts predict that there will be a shortfall of almost 80,000 by 2032, with the US Air Force currently offering bonuses of up to $600,000 to retain pilots and their service. Middle Tennessee State University is doing much address that problem. In this new episode of Supply Chain Now, as a part of the NOW Generation series, we sit down with former UPS executive Tandreia Bellamy and her son, Anthony, the latter being a senior on MTSU’s highly regarded Aerospace Professional Pilot program. Tapping into the school’s impressive fleet of 47 aircraft, Anthony shares incredible insight into the life of a trainee pilot. He recounts the details of a solo cross-country training flight, communicating with traffic control and assessing which runway to land on. “The approach coming in, it was over the water and it was around sunset time, so it was beautiful,” he recalls. Tune in to hear Anthony’s story – the influence of his parents, amazing insights into his training, his overwhelming passion for the field, and plans for the future.

In this new episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor are joined by Chris Kupillas and Carly Bly from BlueGrace Logistics to unpack effective supply chain management and discover strategies that lead to significant cost savings and enhanced operational efficiencies. Listen in as Chris and Carly discuss the importance of a customer-centered approach to logistics, emphasizing transparency, and communication in identifying and mitigating cost drivers in transportation networks. They share expert insights on simplifying processes to maximize efficiency, leveraging technologies, and fostering collaborative relationships with key supply chain partners. This episode also features a unique segment on Blue Grace’s creative approach to marketing and stakeholder engagement, including a fascinating glimpse into a comic book designed to highlight “villains” in the supply chain. Tune in to learn how aligning business strategy with customer needs and internal capabilities can transform your supply chain operations.