Follow Us on Google
By Chinelo Obogo
Trish Gray, co-founder of TGIS Aviation, has carved a niche for herself. From a remarkable journey of building a globally renowned aviation company to becoming an expert witness, she has soared brilliantly.
With over 40 years of experience, she specialises in resolving complex disputes, including contract breaches, engine failures and aircraft transitions.
In this exclusive interview with Daily Sun, she narrates how her expertise has taken her to countries like Singapore, UK, Dubai, and New York, where she provides critical insights for courts and arbitrations. Starting TGIS in 2002 with her husband, Trish grew the company into a global leader in aircraft and engine technical asset management. Despite challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, she has witnessed and contributed to the industry’s growth, paving the way for more women in aviation.
How did TGIS start?
My husband and I founded the company. We were very lucky that both of us found work quickly as consultants. We didn’t have to advertise; we always had work. We had two small children at the time, and as soon as they were grown up, we started really building the business.
What challenges did you face as a woman in the aviation industry and how has the industry evolved over time?
When I was younger, it was quite challenging to succeed as a woman in the industry. At the beginning of my career, there weren’t many women, but that has changed as more females have moved into the industry successfully and doing well. For me, after 40 years, I have seen significant progress, and I am proud to have contributed to this shift.
Have you had any experience working in Africa, particularly in Nigeria?
We have worked with Kenya Airways. Africa’s aviation industry is still developing and we would love to work more in Africa, even though my husband has worked briefly there. He deals with the aircraft side of things. A few years ago, I was working with someone who was a consultant and was very involved in developing aviation growth within Africa, and we worked together. Unfortunately, he passed away. He was working with African governments because getting funding for airlines is quite difficult in Africa, based on the discussions I had with him years ago.
Where else have you provided your services, and how global is your reach?
Many of the jobs I have done were in Europe and the Middle East. I have also conducted business in Taiwan, Turkey, and other countries. I will be back in the United States in two weeks. We are very much a global company, and we travel extensively to meet our clients’ needs.
How has your company performed financially and what challenges have you faced recently?
The company has always been profitable, although last year was difficult due to the Ukraine war, the Boeing delivery issues and the reliability of some engine types. Over the years, while running TGIS, I personally shifted my focus and the company expanded significantly. I have conducted about 300 shop visits, which have taken me around the world. During these visits, I inspect engines, review records, and handle anything related to aircraft transitions. We also negotiate contracts during these visits. This section of the business has grown, and we now have several consultants managing it. I have since moved on to special projects, one of which is serving as an ‘Expert Witness.’ If there is a dispute or potential dispute, I analyse the situation from an expert perspective. I have worked in Singapore, Dubai, and New York, using my expertise to resolve complex issues. After 40 years, this role feels like a natural progression for me.
What does an expert witness do, and what cases do you handle?
Typically, expert witnesses handle cases involving breached contracts. I have worked for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) companies against airlines and for airlines against aircraft manufacturers. About 90 per cent of my cases are related to transitions, such as repossessions or engines being unserviceable upon delivery. My expertise in hardware and contracts makes me well-suited for these cases. If a case falls outside my field of expertise, I decline it, which happens occasionally. I also conduct evaluations for courts, such as determining fault when an engine is damaged. The research involved in these cases is usually extensive.
How niche is expert witnessing, and are women well-represented?
I find that I often work against people who are new to this field. It is quite difficult to find experts in this area. So far, I have not met another woman in this role, though I am sure there are some. It remains a male-dominated field, but I hope to see more women enter it in the future.
What does it take to succeed as an expert witness, and how did you build your reputation?
The job of an expert witness is very demanding, but it ultimately comes down to using your expertise to provide solutions. I started working fully as an expert witness in 2016, and it takes time to build a good reputation. You need to handle a few cases successfully before you can advertise your services more widely. I have appeared in court about nine times, though most cases are resolved through arbitration, which is confidential. I have also appeared in the UK High Court, and while we were prepared for a case last year, the other party accepted a settlement, which was a positive outcome.
How did you transition into becoming an expert witness?
It began when someone asked me to take on the role. I was working closely with a consulting company, which is another special project I am involved in, and they needed engine expertise for a case. They invited me to handle the engine-related aspects, and that was my first expert witness assignment. Fortunately, I had guidance from an experienced expert, and we successfully completed two arbitrations for that case. After that, I realised I enjoyed the work and continued taking on similar cases.
How lucrative is the role of an expert witness?
In terms of income, it has been rewarding. Clients are paying for my 40 years of expertise, and the compensation reflects the value of that experience. However, it is also very hard work, and the financial rewards come with significant effort.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
Another area we focus on is consulting. I have worked with a consulting company for 10 years. During COVID, an ex-airline financial director collaborated with an optimisation software company to develop a service that analyzes engines. It predicts when an engine will need maintenance, estimates costs, and provides solutions for lessors. Recently, we worked with an airline operating 120 aircraft, helping them manage their engines more efficiently. We saved them over £100 million by optimising their processes. In another case, we saved £150 million by reducing the number of shop visits required. Currently, we are working with a flag carrier in the Middle East and have secured a contract with a large airline in France. These projects have allowed me to step back from the day-to-day operations of TGIS and focus on these specialised areas. If contract renegotiations are needed, we handle them as part of these projects. Expert witness cases take priority for me now, as they are individual assignments, while the consultancy work is managed by other capable team members.
Are you mentoring younger women to enter this field?
To become an expert witness, one needs a significant level of experience. If there is a woman with extensive experience in engines, I would love to assist her. At TGIS, we are trying to grow the expert witness side of the business, but we need people with the right expertise. Our Managing Director, who is also a woman, recently discussed retirement with me. She emphasised the importance of leveraging my experience to ensure the company continues to benefit from it. While I have no plans to retire, I am working with the team to ensure my expertise is preserved and utilized effectively.
Do your children work in your business?
My son works for EasyJet as a mechanic, but he attends all our board and management meetings. My daughter studied chemical engineering at university. I have made it clear to my son that he must gain independent experience before deciding whether to join the company. I believe it is important for him to establish his own career first.
What advice would you give to women facing challenges in their careers?
There was a time in my career when I felt stuck and knew I wouldn’t progress further in my role. This happened twice, and both times, I moved on to new opportunities. If you hit a brick wall in your career, it’s important to look for other opportunities within the industry. In one instance, I moved to an airline. Sometimes, the structure of a company limits your growth, and in those situations, it’s best to explore other options. I never closed the door on new opportunities, and I encourage others to do the same. If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to move on and find a role where you can thrive.
What are your future goals?
I will continue working as an expert witness as long as it remains interesting and fulfilling for me. I am passionate about using my expertise to solve complex problems and hope to inspire more women to enter this field.
