MBA grads explain the Embry-Riddle Advantage

Taking care of business and people leads to career satisfaction for these alumni

Manolo Centeno
Senior Financial Analyst, Field Services Controllers Group, Continental Airlines

Embry-Riddle degree: MBA, 2002

What I do: My main focus is the financial analysis and modeling of airport operations. I get called when they are trying to understand the financial implications of a new policy, procedure, or idea to improve the operation. These may involve operational resources such as gates, ground support equipment, and bag handling; contracts with vendors; activity costing; and rents and landing fees.

The Embry-Riddle advantage: I got a deep understanding of airlines operation and optimization at Embry-Riddle, and I helped Dr. Bazargan develop a class called Airlines Optimization and Simulation. At Continental, we have a great group of business alumni. In fact, Embry-Riddle is one of seven schools where we recruit MBAs.

Proud moment: Last year, I developed for a fuel efficiency task force a financial model that helped management start tracking and reducing the amount of fuel overfilled. I was able to save Continental millions of dollars.

Shaun Londono
Aviation Planner, LPA Group

Embry-Riddle degree : MBA, with emphasis in airport planning and design, 2005

What I do: The LPA Group is a consulting firm specializing in aviation and roadway infrastructure planning and design for airports. Our planning analyses include airport master plans and layout plans, benefit-cost analysis, forecasting, Part 150 studies, feasibility studies, and airport security studies.

The Embry-Riddle advantage: One of the most important skills I’ve gleaned from Embry-Riddle is the ability to think critically and decisively. Aviation functions because different elements come together. There wouldn’t be advancement in flight without aerospace engineers, no airports for aircraft without airport planners, and no airlines without good management teams. Embry-Riddle offers all of these disciplines.

How I help people: Because airports serve a greater community, I develop planning activities with the user in mind to ensure that the airport is a good neighbor.

Proud moment: For Mt. Airy-Surry County Airport in North Carolina, I conducted a benefit-cost analysis to study the feasibility of a runway extension and road relocation to meet growing demand for larger jet operations there. The timeline and budget were tight, but I completed and delivered it ahead of schedule.

Juan Ruiz
Senior Financial Analyst, Continental Airlines

Embry-Riddle degree : MBA, 2006

What I do: I work on capital improvement projects and cost-saving initiatives, and ad-hoc studies for the technical operations and purchasing group.

The Embry-Riddle advantage: You can take part in research projects with faculty and corporate sponsors, and the MBA curriculum can be utilized in any industry.

How I help people: The problems I solve help provide management with the information necessary in decision making, and help make every flight safe and pleasant for our customers.

Proud moment: In school I did a project with Dr. Massoud Bazargan-Lari and the Airline Operations Simulation Lab for AirTran Airways. I developed a simulation model to examine various methods of boarding an aircraft, which is critical to efficient operations.

Mark Talage Mark Talaga
Senior Staff Analyst and Operations Analysis, United Airlines

Embry-Riddle degree: MBA, 2005

What I do: I ensure that United’s block time for flights to the western United States and all of Canada is properly forecast for a given period. Block time drives schedules and any opportunities for the airline to redeploy the aircraft. My secondary duties involve analyzing United’s fuel burns for the entire fleet and looking for unusual discrepancies.

The Embry-Riddle advantage: Thanks to Dr. Bazargan and Dr. Pagiavlas, I was involved in real world-projects at Embry-Riddle. Actual companies used our work to make important decisions. I learned to systematically analyze a problem down to its root causes and come up with a solution. This mindset has helped me solve complex issues in the day-to-day life of an airline. At United, 6 alumni work in revenue management.

How I help people: I look for unusual patterns, such as flights with low reliability in a particular station, spikes in delayed and canceled flights, or unreliable block time for certain flights. My work helps the entire airline increase reliability and value to the consumer.

Proud moment: I was part of a team that implemented complex new software that helps United passengers during schedule changes. The old system was inefficient and often misconnected passengers. The new system ensures that passengers will not misconnect or deviate far from their original departure and arrival times.

Thomas Vadakedath
Manager of Business and Financial Analysis, Technical Services & Purchasing, Mesa Airlines

Embry-Riddle degree: MBA, 2005

What I do: I manage and track the technical services division budget of $250 million. Other responsibilities include financial analysis for upgrade, modifications proposed by original equipment manufacturers, capital expenditure tracking, base maintenance, maintenance planning, inventory and sparing levels, maintenance labor, contract performance tracking, and savings evaluation.

The Embry-Riddle advantage: The business concepts are the same at any school, but at Embry-Riddle you are exposed to business with an aviation focus, taught by faculty with a wealth of industry knowledge.

Proud moment: Over the past year, I have been involved in projects that have saved the company in excess of $100 million.