William S. Swelbar
Chief Industry Analyst
Industry Recognition and Collaboration
William Swelbar is a well-known and respected figure across the airline, airport, and related industries. He is widely regarded as an analytically grounded voice on numerous complex issues. Behind many of his most notable analyses is a decades-long collaboration with Albert Zhong—an integral, if often behind-the-scenes, contributor to Swelbar’s consulting work. Though their partnership may be new to some, their joint impact has long shaped industry thinking.
Professional Roles and Affiliations
In January 2021, Swelbar joined McKinsey & Company, Inc. as an external advisor to its Transport, Logistics, and Infrastructure Practice. He also serves as a Research Engineer at MIT’s International Center for Air Transportation and is a member of the Board of Directors of Hawaiian Airlines Holdings, Inc.
Consulting Expertise
With 40 years of consulting experience, Swelbar specializes in network strategies, regulatory frameworks in air transport, communication strategies, airline labor cost restructuring, and air service development for airports and communities. His clients have included airlines, airports of all sizes, investors, manufacturers, and labor groups.
Commitment to Small Community Air Service
Swelbar has a particular passion for addressing challenges faced by small community air service. To tackle these structural headwinds, he founded the Regional Air Service Alliance in March 2014. In December 2016, he was appointed to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Working Group on Improving Air Service to Smaller Communities.
Speaking and Thought Leadership
A highly sought-after speaker, Swelbar has provided expert testimony before various tribunals and the U.S. congress on the economics of commercial air transport. He is frequently quoted in both financial and mainstream media on air transport issues. Swelbar’s published work includes articles in the Journal of Air Transportation Management and contributions to the 2015 second edition of the The Airline Industry textbook published by Wiley Press.
Education
Swelbar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics with honors from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA focused on finance from The George Washington University.
Shengxi Zhong (Albert Zhong)
Senior Industry Analyst
Background and Collaboration
Albert Zhong may be a new name to some, but his work has been integral to the aviation industry for over 20 years. Since 1997, Zhong has worked closely with William Swelbar across multiple firms. With a few exceptions, nearly all of the analyses Swelbar presents or uses have been significantly shaped by Zhong’s expertise and contributions.
Analytical Expertise and Key Projects
Over the years, Zhong has conducted a wide array of in-depth analyses, including but not limited to:
A comprehensive study evaluating the impact on multiple stakeholders resulting from legislative changes affecting a large hub airport.
A thorough passenger traffic forecast for all U.S. commercial air service airports to identify potential bottlenecks caused by infrastructure limitations.
Publication of both the “U.S. Air Service Beige Deck” and “U.S. Commercial Air Service in Review”, offering detailed context and comparisons within the airport industry.
A detailed feasibility study and long-term traffic and cargo forecast for a major U.S. hub/gateway airport, alongside other cargo-related forecasting projects.
A complex route analysis for a major European airline to support an international financial corporation’s final investment decision.
A comprehensive network impact study for a major U.S. carrier to identify potential new routes as well as overall fleet planning.
A detailed traffic forecast for a major South American airline, incorporating various routing options and codeshare scenarios with a U.S. partner airline.
Technical Proficiency
To conduct these complex analyses, Zhong is highly proficient with numerous industry databases and specialized software packages. Additional details regarding his technical skills and methodologies are available upon request
Education
Zhong began his academic journey at Renmin University of China in Beijing in 1986. He completed his undergraduate degree in economics at the University of the District of Columbia and earned an MBA in finance from The George Washington University. Upon completing his MBA, Zhong joined GKMG Consulting in 1997, where he first began collaborating with Swelbar.