AIN Appoints New Editor for Leeham News and Analysis

AIN Media Group has appointed highly experienced aerospace and air transport journalist Howard Hardee as editor of its Leeham News and Analysis (LNA) platform. He starts the new role on July 1 with overall responsibility for LNA’s in-depth and independent coverage of the aerospace and airline sectors.

Hardee is taking the reins at LNA from its co-founder and editor, Scott Hamilton, who is transitioning toward retirement in 2027 and will contribute articles in his new role as editor-at-large. Co-founder Bjorn Fehrm—a highly experienced aerospace engineer by background—is continuing in his role as aeronautical and economic analyst, covering technical topics. Hardee will manage LNA’s roster of specialist writers.

Since August 2022, Hardee has worked as Americas aviation reporter for FlightGlobal, covering airlines and future technology. With 15 years of experience in journalism, he has previously covered a variety of topics, including science and politics, having started his career with his hometown newspaper in Chico, California. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

“Howard’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Leeham News and Analysis,” commented AIN Media Group president Ruben Kempeneer. “He brings exactly the kind of editorial vision and sector expertise we need to build on the strong foundation Scott and Bjorn created, and to drive the title's next phase of growth. We have bold plans for LNA’s future and AIN’s coverage of the commercial aviation sector, and we’re confident Howard is the right person to lead this next phase of growth.”

Under Hardee’s leadership, LNA will work closely with AIN’s team of reporters, capitalizing on their respective strengths in exclusive, detailed analysis and constant live news reporting. For almost 20 years, LNA has closely followed leading commercial aviation OEMs and their supporting supply chain. In 2025, the publication was acquired by AIN Media Group.

“It is an honor to lead Leeham News and Analysis into its next chapter,” Hardee said. “I plan to build off the foundation of sharp analysis set by Scott Hamilton and Bjorn Fehrm, while broadening the publication’s scope and accessibility. This appointment as editor of LNA is an opportunity to shape cutting-edge aerospace coverage and chronicle prime aerospace manufacturers developing the next generation of commercial engines and aircraft.”

Scott Hamilton will also continue his consulting role with Leeham Co. LLC, which is independent of AIN. “I look forward to working with Howard during a transition period,” he said. “I have full confidence that he will continue LNA’s history of industry-leading insight about the present and future of the manufacturing sector and supply chain. The coming years will see critical decisions made by Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, the engine makers, and the airlines about the next generation of airplanes. LNA will continue to provide leading-edge reporting.”