“Dave is both a natural leader and a dynamic speaker and captures his audience with his presence and insightfulness.”

— Michele Haydel Gehrke, partner, Reed Smith; and Sheldon M. Kline, retired partner, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton

“I have the highest level of respect and regard for David Banmiller.”

— Richard Ing, Board of Directors Member, Aloha Airlines

“[Mr. Banmiller] instills confidence in his employees and his advisory team … and he is universally highly regarded in the airline industry—even by his adversaries.”

— Paul Steven Singerman, Attorney, Berger Singerman Attorneys at Law

“[Dave is] a strong leader with very high integrity, incredible drive, positive enthusiasm, and an ability to motivate others.”

— Gordon Bethune, Chairman/CEO, Continental Airlines (retired)

Speaking & Consulting

Speaking Engagements

Beginning at an early age, Mr. Banmiller launched his speaking career before 10,000 attendees at the Philadelphia Convention Center as valedictorian of his 1966 graduating class at Villanova University. From there his career put him in a position to address many diverse groups, from airline employees to trade associations, regulatory bodies, investment bankers, the media, judges, community organizations, students, corporate leaders, and even the US Senate. The rigors of multiple and highly successful domestic and international presentations and “road shows” in advance of initial public offerings (IPOs) honed his skills of persuasion, where he learned how to best convince a sometimes skeptical audience of his point of view. The qualities of leadership ingrained in Mr. Banmiller over the tough years in aviation place him on the A-list of motivational speakers; his personal stories of crisis situations and experience teaching others by example make for highly entertaining and spirited presentations.

Consulting

Using his vast hands-on experience in airlines, transportation, marketing, finance, government affairs, labor relations, and problem-solving under extreme pressure, Mr. Banmiller is well suited to advise clients on a path forward in any corporate or labor-related set of challenges. He brings a unique perspective as someone who began his career on the front lines, working his way up the corporate ladder in all disciplines to become CEO at multiple corporations. In the process he has managed many high-profile crisis situations, dealing with the press, regulators, bankers, high-level union officials, politicians, and boards of directors. His no-nonsense, direct, honest, and thoughtful guidance on a broad range of issues has earned him the respect of all sides, and his commonsense approach to problem-solving has resulted in many successful outcomes.

Endorsements

“Turbulence is a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at the evolution, innovation, and resilience of the airline industry over the years. Propelled by his obvious passion and decades of hands-on experience, Dave puts a human touch on the economics of the business while highlighting the colorful personalities that have contributed to the many, many advances in safety, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. A fun read for anyone interested in the miracle of aviation.”

John Heimlich, VP & Chief Economist, Airlines for America

“[Dave is] a strong leader with very high integrity, incredible drive, positive enthusiasm, and an ability to motivate others. His industry knowledge goes across all disciplines, from marketing to labor, operations, and finance … His communication skills are excellent at all levels whether it be with labor, management, the board, financial institutions, or government representatives, state or federal. His knowledge of the political process has allowed him to gain support from both sides of the aisle in Washington.”

Gordon Bethune, chairman/CEO, Continental Airlines (retired)

“When Mr. Banmiller was retained as the chief executive officer of Aloha Airlines, our firm was asked to help … The challenges in the Aloha case were immense. We litigated against the Air Transportation Stabilization Board, a U.S. governmental entity, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, our lenders and lessors, and a host of other constituents … Mr. Banmiller knew precisely the moment to stop the litigation and personally involve himself to negotiate and execute a business deal … He instills confidence in his employees and his advisory team … And he is universally highly regarded in the airline industry—even by his adversaries … Mr. Banmiller is well versed in corporate governance matters … Mr. Banmiller’s contacts in the aviation industry are quite impressive. I have personally observed his nearly instant access to the CEOs of major domestic and foreign carriers—access that simply cannot be purchased; it has to be earned based on multiyear relationships and respect.”

Paul Steven Singerman, attorney, Berger Singerman Attorneys at Law

“Emerging from bankruptcy with damaged union relationships … [Dave not only repaired] the union relationships, improved labor environment resulted in a cooperative effort that resulted in the company achieving industry-leading performance … The company was faced with significant competitive challenges … Dave understood what was necessary to keep the board fully informed and how best to make difficult decisions. Dave’s success was also the result of a dedicated group of management employees that were very dedicated to Dave … It is because of Dave’s credibility with his people that he was able to assemble a superior team.”

Ira Tochner, partner, the Yucaipa Companies

“Dave had the guts to make the toughest decisions during his tenure at Aloha Airlines. His decisions were always well thought out and were the best business decisions for the company … Dave was a miracle worker who saved the airline’s existence numerous times … I have the highest level of respect and regard for David Banmiller.”

Richard Ing, board of directors member, Aloha Airlines

“Dave is both a natural leader and a dynamic speaker and captures his audience with his presence and insightfulness. As a business executive, Dave succeeds by reaching out to and fostering relationships with all the stakeholders in a given situation, whether they be employees, labor unions, government officials, or elected representatives of the public interest. We have (collectively) represented Dave for almost 25 years at a time when the airline industry—his greatest “love”—was at its most turbulent, with each of the major airlines for the first time in U.S. history needing protection under the Bankruptcy Code. Dave is at his best when the stakes are at their highest, and they are never higher than when an air carrier is in bankruptcy. When times were the darkest, Dave seemed to achieve the most, whether it be new labor agreements with the carrier’s pilots, flight attendants, and mechanics or pension deals with the PBGC, allowing the reorganized carrier to emerge from bankruptcy.”

Michele Haydel Gehrke, partner, Reed Smith; and Sheldon M. Kline, retired partner, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton