Interview with Lucas Raven

Lucas Raven (born 26 May 1988) is a half blood mixed race Filipino – Lebanese – American business and lifestyle icon in Asia , best known for his Aircrew Global Aviation Academies, his “living in Paradise” lifestyle and appearances in several giant ad campaigns for Coca Cola, Benetton and Colgate.

He started as a TV host and Video jock in the hit TV program “Metro After Dark” back on Cable Chanel 28 ( Manila, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Bali ) and did a few stints on MTV Asia as the teen VJ of the year back when he was 17 and was homed all over Asia.

Raven was the 1st teen aged model to appear on the pages of Vogue Japan and GQ.

He would always laugh when people said he was too short to be a model but the truth is that magazines and some of the best photographers did love his appeal and this guy is so photogenic that he can totally come across as a very seasoned and older version of himself.

His first big business venture was ( age 21 ) a deal with one of South East Asia’s business Titan, owner of the AMA group of schools and companies and Ambassador to the Gulf nations Amable Aguiluz. It was a deal linking DELTA aviation school in the Philippines to an investor that will turn it into a chain of Aviation Training centers, in exchange of this services Raven was to get 10 percent of overall shares. When the deal was done He met up with a few other business partners and was convinced to start up his own school, so he sold his 10 percent and started up with one Airplane, a hangar and an office base in Kalibo, Philippines, 3 trusted business partners and solid guts.

The challenged Raven took all full Private and Commercial Pilot courses and learned everything as a student and aced it. He said ” If i was to be the face of my own school it’s best to be a student myself so I know each subject like the back of my hand”.

Early this year, he opened a chain of Pilot Training Academies, Charter flights and Aircraft Management centers , later known as the Flying Raven Group. Lucas Raven’s young brand is expected to grow rapidly with the need of pilots rising in the next coming years and his goal is to soon establish his own Airline.

” The world of eager will always be in a hurry,but you only get one chance to be the new guy, so let them wait until you are limitless”.

 - Lucas Raven

 

 

Lucas, a pleasure to meet you. Usually I would start by asking you about your early days and growing up but I want to jump right into it and find out more about your days as a “video jock” and tv host. What were those times like for you since you were so young?

It was like playing really… Staying up late, meeting new people, always at an event. It’s pretty much the same now except I have more substance in my mind now than ever.

Tell us what is meant by your “living in paradise” lifestyle?

It’s about me inspiring people to know that Heaven is right here on earth and not anywhere else. It’s a state of mind really.

You have modeled for many major brands. Was modeling something you had always wanted to do?

Well for a period of time there yes but while doing it and meeting all these models who only eat tomatoes protein bars and couldn’t even carry a conversation made me realize there’s more to life than just looking good. In modesty I was always on the top list of my class in terms of academics, and I was a scholar maintaining a high grade to keep my scholarship so the brain has always been my source of strength.

What have been some of your favorite shoots?

Oh Definitely this Bachelor’s ad campaign shoot with me and vintage airplanes. 2nd would be the one I did in Switzerland that was used for GQ. I got to meet wild horses.

Making the covers of Vogue Japan and GQ at such a young age is a major milestone in anyone’s life. How did it feel to get the attention and publicity you received?

GQ wasn’t a cover, it was centerfold, non the less it was a dream come true. Some people in my own country didn’t even know me until maybe someone vain looks into a magazine and uses me as a reference. Vogue Japan was very intense, The photographers are very sharp so I learned something new.

What do you think is appealing to the public about “your look”?

haha my eyes. I always get that.

Equally, or more impressive is your foray into the business world. How did you get involved in brokering the deal with Delta to open up their Aviation Training Centers?

My Dad was into the Aviation business before and made an impressive network, I basically am taking over.

Since you sold your ten percent stake in the company you have opened up your own Flight Training Academy. Was flying something you had experience doing before you became involved in the business?

Yes I was surrounded by Arab pilot friends for a short period of my life there before meeting some of the Aviation business masters ( my mentors ).

You put yourself through each of the courses, something many people would not have bothered to do. Why did you feel it was necessary to do it?

Because I am the face of my school and how was I to sell education if I wasn’t knowledgeable enough to even talk about it? So yes it was something I was more than happy to do.

Your company mission statement is “to provide world class aviation and flight training to every student.” Can you tell us a little about the courses you offer?

We have 2 major courses, The Private – for hobbyists and the Commercial Pilot Course. For the ones who want a career in the Airline industry, The Pro.

Do you think there is an increasing demand for skilled pilots these days?

Yes, there are new airlines opening here and there from the Middle East and Europe. From now til 2030 the demand will continue to rise.

What are your long termed plans for your company?

To go Global and make it an Aviation Empire. From Chain of schools to Airlines.

Do you still model? What have been some of your recent projects?

Not as much as before I focused into my Aviation studies. I still do get offers but right now if it’s not worth missing a meeting I usually and politely decline. I have one coming soon. Something you all should look forward to. I am working on launching a Travel TV show very soon, something that involves learning how to fly .

Obviously you are a success driven individual. What motivates you and inspires you?

I am in love with my life really and I believe time is our strongest currency and one should use it to enhance their self in all aspects. Every minute is another chance to turn your life into something sublime.

How would you best describe yourself to someone who did not know you?

“Hi I’m Lucas Raven and I was born to inspire everyone around me”.

Where can we find out more about you and the AirCrew Flight Training Academy?

http://www.aircrewflightacademy.org/aboutus.php

my facebook page for my school :

http://www.facebook.com/pages/AirCrew-Flight-Training-Academy/143307819015544

and this Facebook page I created for all my friends and followers :

http://www.facebook.com/lucasraven.uk

Soon I will be active on Twitter, I just really need to have more hands haha…

Interviewed by:

Em Elle, a resident of Japan, is one of the most remarkable people you may ever meet. With a great personality and a wonderful sense of humor, Em’s articles and interviews are always an adventure.

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