Bluefinch Aviation Asia | Independent Aviation Advisory

Who We Are Independent Advisory

Bluefinch Aviation Asia is an independent aviation advisory firm based in Kuala Lumpur, with a global client and business coverage.

We are appointed by start-up airlines, low-cost carriers, charter operators, flag carriers, and other aviation entities — to take their business to the next level, prepare for public/private placements, or improve current performance. Our focus also includes helping new airline start-ups and turnarounds.

We provide world-class, comprehensive advisory including full C-suite services for Strategy & Planning (CEO, CFO, COO), Corporate Finance, Fleet Management, Commercial (Passenger & Cargo), IT Solutions, Operations & Engineering.

What makes us different

Long-term, independent advice with execution capability
Principals and team members have held senior roles
(CEO, COO, CFO, CCO) in major airlines worldwide
Entrepreneurs and shareholders with commercial acumen and focus on shareholder returns
Experience across passenger full-service, low-cost, and ultra-low-cost models, cargo and logistics

Why We Are Different

We provide comprehensive advice and guidance — and understand the knock-on effects of activities targeted at any area of your aviation business.

Mitigate negative knock-on effects or capture opportunities from restructuring
Extensive network built from running our own airlines
Hands-on experience often lacking in traditional advisors
Team members are shareholders — we bring value and create returns
We introduce partners with proven track records
Associated companies across the globe for local market access
Importantly, we are able to raise capital for the business we manage

Key difference: We successfully set up and ran our own airlines

Our team members have managed airlines for several years, bringing real operational insight. We have handled contracts across the world and seen implementations first-hand. This is a major advantage.

Associated companies: complementary aviation areas, worldwide presence.

Aviation Services Scope Full C‑Suite & more

Full C‑Suite Services — Strategy & Planning

Comprehensive advisory at CEO, CFO, CCO, COO level, focusing on airline business and network strategy. Our team members have been actively involved in restructuring, advisory and fundraising:

HK Express (Hong Kong)Regent Airways (Bangladesh) and in MalaysiaflyGlobal (in-house)Eaglepress Air Charter (in-house)

Raya Airways (in-house)

Recent highlights: Advised Regent Airways on restructuring, downsizing, lease returns, new marketing strategy, AOC reactivation. Started new airline, flyGlobal and operated 4x B777s. Turnaround of Eaglepress (profitable and cash positive). Raya Airways complete revamp (profitable and cash positive).

1. Start‑Up & AOC Advisory

Business & financial plans, liaison with authorities for Air Service Licences and Air Operators Certificate, workforce organisation. Experience in Asia (HK, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia) and with regulators in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, various European Union countries & United Kingdom.

2. Fleet Management

Aircraft acquisition to disposal: type selection, lease/purchase negotiation, technical review, financing, maintenance programs. Team involved in largest A320 & B737 orders (AirAsia, Lion Air).

Financing deals: AirAsia (US$1.3B), Lion Air (US$2.2B),
Oasis Hong Kong airlines (circa US$300mio), Transmile, Eaglexpress (US$30mio), Flyglobal (US$10mio).

3. Corporate Finance & Financial Advisory

Debt/equity fundraising, banking relationships, roadshows, financial modelling, IPO preparation. Our niche: investment banking background to find best commercial solutions.

4. Commercial, Sales & Marketing

Fleet/network plans, distribution strategy, branding, ancillary income, route planning, revenue management, slot/traffic rights negotiation.

5. IT & eCommerce Solutions

In‑house team (Alpha Red Services): reservations systems (Newskies), ERP, payment gateways, web/portal development.

Clients: AirAsia, AirAsia X, flynas, Citilink, Spicejet, and more.

6. Engineering

Technical consultancy, CAMO, fleet technical management, line maintenance, and MRO re-organisation for third‑party income.

Founding Partner & Team

Shamini Law (née Muthusamy)

Managing Director

Malaysian national with C‑level experience across Asia, combining banking, private equity, and aviation expertise. Advised Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong Express on cost management and Regent Airways on restructuring during COVID-19, founding shareholder, Accountable Manager, and CEO of flyGlobal Charter. Previously seconded as COO of Raya Airways (Transmile), where she led a full turnaround. Also served as Treasurer at AirAsia, Head of Finance at Oasis HK, and CFO of Lion Air Group. Closed over US$3.0 billion in aircraft financing.

Education: London School of Economics & Political Science (BSc (Econs) Accounting & Finance), Post-Graduate Diploma in Law, UK.

Paul Byrne

Commercial Lead & Advisor

Over 40 years of aviation leadership, including former CEO of flynas (Saudi national carrier), where he drove consistent profitability. Founded BGM Consult and has worked with Pegasus, Precision Air, Jeju Air, PAL Express, Viva Aerobus, Webjet, Mandala, Air Deccan, and others. Fellow of the Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance (IIBI).

Matthias Poranske

Aircraft Charter Specialist

Aviation executive and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in aircraft leasing, ACMI, charter operations, and commercial development across Europe and international markets. Has held senior commercial and C‑level roles, structuring complex lease transactions, sourcing capacity, and building strategic partnerships with airlines, operators, and lessors. Combines operational expertise with a strong industry network to negotiate high‑value agreements and deliver practical solutions in demanding aviation environments.

Shukor Yusof

Aviation Market Analytics Specialist

Founder of Endau Analytics, an aviation and economics research advisory company (mid‑2014). Previously served as aviation and supervisory analyst at Standard & Poor’s (since 2000), covering the Asia‑Pacific region and approving reports across all asset classes for global distribution; also conducted investment analyses on airlines and airports with the New York team. Earlier, he was Asian aviation correspondent for Thomson Reuters IFR (1996–1999), covering aircraft financing and airline economics from Singapore and Tokyo. Was a TV producer for CNBC Asia (1994–1996) and began his career as a journalist with Singapore Press Holdings (1988–1993). Frequent commentator on the aviation industry, regularly cited and interviewed by trade publications and international media. Holds investment advisory licences in Singapore and Australia.

Education: BA (Hons) History & Politics – Brighton University, UK; MA Politics and Economics – Leeds University, UK. Recipient of scholarships from Yayasan Pelajaran Johor (1984–87) and the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office – Chevening (1993–94).

Andrew Law

Branding and Marketing Specialist

Most recently a consultant at Kuala Lumpur‑based Aves Aviation Consulting, advising charter operators flyGlobal (long‑haul passenger), Raya Airways (cargo; formerly Transmile), and Eaglexpress (long‑haul passenger) on branding, communications, media relations, and corporate communications. Previously an editor, contributing editor, regional correspondent, and writer based in New York, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, covering aviation, transportation, and infrastructure asset finance in the US, Europe, and Asia‑Pacific; also covered general news, business & finance, and travel & lifestyle. Combines editorial and media skills with origination and business development experience gained at New York‑based Global Capital Finance, making him an asset for aviation‑sector special projects.

Education: BA (Hons) Economics & Politics – Kingston University, UK; MA Economics & Politics – University of Surrey, UK.

James Leung

Chief Financial Officer

Qualified accountant with over 30 years of diversified, hands‑on financial and business operations experience across aviation, motors, trading and distribution, public relations, and the legal industry in Australia, Hong Kong, and Greater China. Previously served as finance and operations director of an international conglomerate and as a board member of a Hong Kong Main Board‑listed company.

Education: MCom (Accounting) – Macquarie University, AUST; BBus (Accounting) – Central Queensland University, AUST. Fellow member of CPA Australia and member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Associated Companies & Partners

Alpha Red Consulting – KC Cheah, IT Partner

Planeconsult Ltd – operational & strategic advisory