Redefining commercial aviation consulting
Transforming complex data and modeling into clear, strategic insights
Welcome To The Research Lab
At Swelbar-Zhong, we are a commercial aviation economic analysis and research firm dedicated to being specialized partners for decision-makers navigating a rapidly evolving industry. What sets us apart is our relentless focus on the underlying economics driving the airline industry. Our work isn’t templated; it’s tailored. We created the Swelbar-Zhong Commercial Aviation Research Lab (CARL) to make our thinking, data, and strategic perspective more accessible to a broader range of stakeholders through a flexible membership model.
Across the aviation ecosystem, internal resources are stretched, budgets are tight, and decisions are increasingly complex. The Lab is built for this environment, offering cost-effective access to timely insights, analysis, and expert guidance when you need it most. The commercial air transportation space shifts by the day. It must be monitored in real time, with a deep understanding of how interdependent players--from airlines to airports to regulators—shape and influence outcomes.
Connecting the economic dots in this business is part science, part intuition—and entirely our specialty. We don’t just deliver analysis. We translate complexity into clarity for everyone from C-suites to congressional committees.
Explore CARL. Gain an edge.
“As an Airport Director, I am routinely bombarded with air service data, opinions and commentary form a multitude of sources. Most of the information seems superficial and lacks deep thought and originality. It all sounds the same after a while. This is why I subscribe to the Swelbar-Zhong Commercial Aviation Research Lab. Bill and Albert break through the noise and produce deep dive, hard hitting, honest and insightful air service, airline and airport analysis with the data to back it up. Most consultants will tell you what you want to hear or what conventional wisdom says you should hear. Swelbar tells you what you need to hear and that you won’t hear from anyone else. This is the truth to power information that today’s CEO’s need given the challenges we are facing. I recommend this service for all airport CEOs.”
— Greg Kelly // CEO // Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
SPECIAL REPORTS: More Turbulence Ahead in Regional Air Service Markets
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Methodology
Swelbar has built a career as a contrarian and forward thinker, consistently challenging mainstream assumptions. At Swelbar-Zhong, we believe too many decisions are shaped by conflicted interests. Our work adds the context every story deserves, bringing clarity and insight to each assignment.
Easing Procurement for Expert Aviation Insights
Struggling to fit expert commercial aviation analysis into your procurement process? The Swelbar-Zhong Commercial Aviation Research Lab (CARL) is designed with that challenge in mind. Recognizing that traditional procurement categories often don’t accommodate the depth and uniqueness of our services, CARL offers a flexible membership solution and aligns seamlessly with varied procurement requirements.
CARL memberships provide a straightforward way for commercial aviation stakeholders—whether airlines, airports, regulators, investors, or consultants—to access independent, high-value research and insights without the complications of traditional contracting.
By joining CARL, you gain a trusted third-party resource that supports critical decision-making with rigorous analysis and fresh perspectives—helping you meet your procurement needs while enhancing strategic outcomes.
The Return On Investment From A Membership To CARL
Connecting the Dots Through Swelbar’s Lens: A monthly analysis and commentary on an issue(s) that is/will impacting the business
Color commentary throughout the month on an issue(s) that promises to cause change, in a written or virtual format
Access to the Swelbar-Zhong team personally throughout the year via email, text, telephone, or through virtual software within reason
A copy of any presentation or study for public consumption Swelbar-Zhong produces either under the consultancy or in the lab, whether quarterly or more frequent
Timely webinars, if needed, on complex subjects
Special events where input from aviation and non-aviation points of view that are sure to add value/provide color on events impacting the space
“I don't conduct any serious airline market trend evaluation without hearing Bill's perspectives. He's both thorough and unvarnished — not always easy to find in a competent consultant. His input is invaluable in my current role as an air transport reporter. During my time at a large airport trade group, he consistently filled our conference sessions—and promoted thoughtful discussions—as a keynote speaker or panel member. If you need a complete, data-backed view on commercial aviation, Bill will provide it, and it will be worth the investment.”
— Sean Broderick // Aviation Week Network
CARL Membership Advantages: The Internal Rate Of Return On Your Investment
Measuring the return on your CARL membership is both an art and a science. Your true internal rate of return extends well beyond the direct benefits to the value delivered across your entire organization.
A CARL membership is not just an investment in a single individual—it’s an investment in your entire organization. Whether you’re in the C-suite, finance, operations, communications, or marketing, our fact-driven, quantitative analysis will:
Identify key industry trends shaping your future
Explain how these trends impact your demand drivers
Provide critical context to communicate your organization’s performance to stakeholders
Support strategy development or the rethinking of existing plans
As a CARL member, you receive an exclusive 50% reduction in the time and expense associated with preparation whenever Swelbar is requested to speak or present to your boardroom or community stakeholder groups. This benefit makes world-class expertise more accessible and cost-effective--a clear, tangible return on your membership investment.
In short, CARL delivers measurable returns by empowering your whole team with actionable insights, plus exclusive member savings that add significant value.