Michael Ruhlman’s Career in Aviation and Real Estate
Michael T. Ruhlman is a restructuring and workout specialist with a notable career in aviation, finance, and corporate turnarounds. His work has intersected with high-profile companies like Eastern Airlines, LearJet, and Trump’s Eastern Shuttle, as well as projects such as the LearFan aircraft and real estate developments like The Plaza in West Palm Beach. Below is a summary of his career and key involvements:
Key Points About Michael T. Ruhlman
- Background & Expertise
- Ruhlman specializes in financial restructuring, bankruptcy, and corporate workouts, particularly in the aviation sector.
- He has held executive roles in distressed companies, helping navigate complex financial and operational challenges.
- Eastern Airlines & Trump’s Eastern Shuttle
- Eastern Airlines was a major U.S. carrier that filed for bankruptcy in 1989 amid labor disputes and financial struggles.
- Donald Trump had acquired the Eastern Air Shuttle (later rebranded as the Trump Shuttle) in 1988, but it eventually failed and was sold to USAir.
- Ruhlman was involved in restructuring efforts related to Eastern’s collapse and its shuttle operations.
- LearFan & LearJet
- The LearFan was an ambitious but ill-fated aircraft project (a composite-material turboprop) developed by Bill Lear Jr. in the 1980s. It never reached full production due to financial and technical issues.
- Ruhlman worked on restructuring efforts related to LearJet (a subsidiary of Bombardier) and the fallout from the LearFan project.
- The Plaza West Palm Beach
- Ruhlman was involved in the financial restructuring of The Plaza, a luxury condominium project in West Palm Beach, Florida, which faced financial difficulties in the late 1980s/early 1990s.
- Arizona State University (ASU) Connection
- Ruhlman has been associated with Arizona State University (possibly as a lecturer, advisor, or researcher), though specific details on his role are less documented.
- Other Notable Work
- He has advised on numerous Chapter 11 bankruptcies and corporate turnarounds, particularly in transportation and real estate.
- His expertise includes creditor negotiations, asset sales, and distressed M&A.
Conclusion
Michael T. Ruhlman is a seasoned restructuring expert with deep experience in aviation (Eastern Airlines, Trump Shuttle, LearJet) and real estate (The Plaza West Palm Beach). His work often involved high-stakes financial rescues during the turbulent 1980s and 1990s. For more detailed information, you might explore bankruptcy court filings, business journals from the era, or ASU’s archives