Flying on the Edge: Inside the World of Aviation Smuggling with Matt Potter

In Matt Potter's younger years, a chance encounter with author Mark Bowden helped to shape his future: "Journalism is the last great bastion and resort of the generalist".  Propelled by a fascination to learn the inner workings of everything, Matt's curiosity led him into the centre of a story about international smuggling that would inspire his next book. The book, "Outlaws Inc: Flying with the World's Most Dangerous Smugglers", details the intriguing stories of Russian air crews navigating through complex situations to deliver unconventional cargo. KEY TAKEAWAYS Outlaws Inc. sheds light on the complexities of the aviation industry, highlighting the blurred lines between legitimate operations and illicit activities, especially in conflict zones. While their actions may not always align with regulations and compliance standards, international smugglers play a significant role in providing services that others may not be willing to undertake, such as delivering aid to disaster zones at low costs. Most people that aren't from an aviation background don't understand how much cargo a standard passenger plane holds.  BEST MOMENTS "When I see something that I think, oh, that's odd. No one's seen that, and that shouldn't be happening. I'm all over it." "I think doubt is a fact of self-doubt is a fact of life for a lot of people. I think it's a big fact of life for me." "I don't want to make these guys out to be heroes. They're economic players in a world that monetizes and rewards the getting round of rules. Make of that what you will." "One of the reasons they all wanted to do aid flights for cheap, or for free sometimes, was that it would get them the paperwork to be allowed to fly into a war zone, where other planes couldn't. And that meant that there would be good cargo for buy and sell."   ABOUT THE GUEST With an impressive repertoire spanning journalism, television, radio, and literature, Matt Potter has left a lasting mark on the world. As a seasoned journalist, Matt has reported from the far reaches of Eastern Europe, Afghanistan, and Southeast Asia for the prestigious BBC Radio.  His literary prowess shines through in his published works, including five books that delve into subjects ranging from social history to cyber warfare. His acclaimed titles, such as "Outlaws Inc." and "We Are All Targets", showcase his ability to dissect complex topics with clarity and depth. Beyond the written word, Potter's influence also extends to the screen. He has contributed to television shows across platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and the BBC, while also making waves in Hollywood with his screenplay adaptations and feature documentaries.  https://www.mattpotter.com/  Outlaws Inc.: Flying With the World's Most Dangerous Smugglers  Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/eY4qKsJ  https://www.instagram.com/mattpotteruk/?hl=en  https://twitter.com/mattpotter?lang=en  ABOUT THE PODCAST Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring. We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight. Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the world above the clouds, Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard! SOCIAL LINKS www.Airmacs.com https://www.instagram.com/airchatswithairmacs https://www.tiktok.com/@airchatswithairmacs