Expertise - SH&E Professional

Samuel Engel, SH&E Vice President

Area of Specialization
Mr. Engel specializes in strategic business planning and economic analysis for international airlines. In recent years, he has helped several carriers develop long-term plans to respond to evolving competition in the marketplace, including improvements to airline networks, pricing, distribution and cost structures. Mr. Engel is a member of SH&E’s commercial strategy group, working with carriers to develop and implement strategic change.

Client	Engagement
Hawaiian Airlines	Testified as expert regarding business planning and damages in litigation between Hawaiian Airlines and Mesa Airlines. Client awarded $80 million judgment.
Dubai Aerospace	Developed strategy for investment in aviation technology and services
Flight Options	Led effort to develop new pricing and market strategy for world’s second largest fractional operator.
Hawaiian Airlines	Project lead for long term strategy and fleet planning exercise, including network plan, aircraft operating and investment cost analysis.
ALMA	Developed distribution strategy for new Mexican airline to support target market and growth.
Hawaiian Airlines	Lead aviation and financial consultant in bankruptcy restructuring for Hawaiian Airlines. Developed five-year business plan including route expansion, network optimization, labor and pension cost benchmarking and financial restructuring. Drafted offering memorandum and solicited new equity partners.
Hawaiian Airlines	Expert witness in critical bankruptcy trial to reach new labor agreements. Developed economic arguments and courtroom testimony.
Thai Airways International	Conducted thorough review of corporate business plan in connection with proposed share issuance.
Overseas Private Investment Corp.	Conducted due diligence for financing of new airport for Quito, Ecuador. Tested all aspects of business plan and proposed framework for financial review.

Background
Mr. Engel has focused on international business planning and financial analysis for airlines and airports. His specialties include strategic planning and revenue forecasting, with special emphasis on sales and distribution. In 2000, Mr. Engel spent a year away from SH&E to help launch Priceline.com in Europe, where he led strategic planning for the internet retailer's airline product. Before joining SH&E, Mr. Engel consulted to multinational consumer products companies regarding business planning in Central Europe, including product distribution and sourcing strategy.

Education
MBA, Yale School of Management.
BA, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, University of Pennsylvania.

Languages
English, French, Hungarian; some Italian and Spanish.