Our Team

With over 30 years in helicopter operations, Mike began his career as a pilot with CHC International before progressing into senior leadership roles including Head of Brunei Shell Aviation Services, executive positions at HNZ, and ultimately COO of PHI. He brings deep expertise in international markets, business development, and complex tender environments, with a strong understanding of how operators, energy clients, and stakeholders make critical procurement and contract decisions.

Experienced in delivering major projects in demanding operational environments, Mike combines operational credibility with commercial insight, supporting clients in growth strategy, tender positioning, and market expansion. Having collaborated with Russ for many years as C-suite leaders, Mike co-founded Russell Allen & Partners to deliver practical, experience led advisory grounded in real-world helicopter operations.

With a career spanning over three decades of experience in Audit, Financial, and Treasury Management, Chee-Onn has taken on ascending senior roles, steering regional and international finance operations, specialising in Offshore Marine & Helicopter projects, as well as providing Aviation support services to the Oil & Gas industry. Chee-Onn is a CPA, a member of MICPA, ICAEW, ICAANZ, MIA, a Fellow of FCCA, UK, and holds an MBA from USQ, Australia. "Having worked for many years in Helicopter operations alongside Russ, it was only natural with RA&P’s vision that inspired me to join the RA&P team, where I now spearhead financial strategic matters, ensuring our projects align with the innovative approaches I've witnessed firsthand."

Datin Shelina, an accomplished aviation lawyer, Bristol-educated and a Lincoln's Inn barrister, whose career spans multinational corporations, media, and aviation, has decided to join the RA&P partnership after having worked with Russ for many years as legal counsel. Notably, she drove AirAsia X's expansion and its IPO success, and her legal expertise spans HR matters and major litigation. A pivotal member of various aerospace associations and a board member of Malaysian listed entities, Shelina significantly contributes to aerospace industry dealings with the Malaysian government and financial sectors, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to RA&P.

Natr Thanasthit, a seasoned aviation professional and Flight Ops Auditor with extensive experience in offshore helicopter operations, joined the RA&P partnership during the start up, bringing his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Having progressed from an ab initio program pilot to an offshore captain, Natr has taken on various management roles across Southeast Asia and Africa, led bid teams securing major energy sector contracts, and served as a helicopter advisor for the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. With a strong eye across international energy markets and deep rooted experience in Africa and the Far East, Natr understands evolving opportunities, operational realities, and market trends shaping these regions. He has worked closely with Russ and Mike across international operations for many years, building strong professional relationships. Natr’s commitment to high safety standards while optimising profitability aligns perfectly with RA&P’s values and objectives.

With over 40 years in aviation, Alan brings deep expertise in technical governance, safety leadership, and quality assurance. Starting in the Royal Air Force, he progressed through North Sea offshore operations with Bristow and CHC before leading maintenance and safety functions across Asia and the Middle East, including Sky Shuttle, Jet Ops, and Dubai Airwing.

Alan has extensive experience implementing IOGP 690 standards, guiding operators from non-compliance to beyond compliance through strong safety culture, robust quality systems, and Helioffshore best practices. His work complements RA&P’s collaboration with WTW and underwriting markets, strengthening risk profiles, enhancing safety performance, and giving operators and insurers greater confidence.

Having worked alongside Russ for over 30 years, Alan provides rigorous technical oversight, regulatory assurance, and practical solutions to complex operational challenges.

With over 40 years of aerospace experience, David leads International Projects at Russell Allen & Partners, focusing on commercial contracts, MRO strategy, supply chain partnerships, and global vendor engagement. His career includes senior roles at Rolls-Royce, British Airways, and SR Technics, where he led international business development and secured major commercial agreements across global markets.

David is also Managing Director at MAIA, bringing a strong international network and industry relationships that support RA&P’s global reach and strategic partnerships. Holding an MBA from the University of Nottingham, a BEng (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering, and professional qualifications from CIM and CMI, he combines deep technical understanding with extensive commercial expertise across Asia and international markets.

At RA&P, David plays a key role in aligning commercial strategy with operational delivery, strengthening vendor relationships, supporting contract negotiations, and driving international growth through disciplined project leadership.

Eric Leong joined RA&P in 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience in helicopter operations, aircraft acceptances, pre-purchase inspections (PPIs), redeliveries, and leasing. As a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, he has worked extensively with AW139, AW189, and S76 helicopters in offshore and VIP operations. Previously with SkyTech Aircraft Engineering Ltd, Eric played a pivotal role in supporting maintenance for Sky Shuttle's AW139 fleet and Melco Resorts' VIP operations. His technical expertise and commercial acumen make him an invaluable asset to RA&P and its clients, delivering exceptional value in every project.

Judith Harper, Director at Avid.legal, has been a key legal partner to Russell Allen & Partners (RA&P) since its inception, delivering tailored aviation legal solutions. She has advised leading international helicopter operators across multiple jurisdictions on complex legal matters. Her expertise includes aircraft services RFPs, operating agreements, leases, maintenance contracts, and financing arrangements. Judith also facilitates aircraft sales and acquisitions for corporate and private clients. Supported by the Avid.legal team, she provides comprehensive legal and administrative services, including International Registry compliance, ensuring seamless transactions and legal adherence for aviation clients worldwide

Sergi brings over 26 years of expertise in helicopter asset management and maintenance oversight. With a strong background as an Engineering Supervisor, he has extensive experience in line and base maintenance across multiple aircraft types.

Having worked alongside Russ for 21 years, joining Russell Allen & Partners was a natural decision. Sergi has performed pre-purchase inspections (PPI) for leasing companies in sales and leaseback transactions, providing critical technical assessments. Now, he applies these skills to protect clients’ financial risk, ensuring their helicopter assets retain value, comply with regulations, and operate efficiently.

Committed to safety, compliance, and operational excellence, Sergi plays a key role in helping clients optimise their helicopter investments while mitigating financial exposure.