In this episode of the Oyster Arrow podcast, Matt Horscroft, one of the driving forces behind J2 Aerospace, joins host Jeff Jurgi for a candid and engaging conversation. If you’re into aviation, startups, or just great business storytelling—you’re in for a treat.

👇 Watch the full episode here:

✈️ From Stockist to Sourcing Powerhouse

Matt kicks things off by explaining what J2 Aerospace is all about: a stockist and sourcing partner focused on commercial aviation, with a strong inventory of consumables and rotables. The team works with both airlines and MROs, offering aggressive purchasing strategies and managing consignment stock from Europe and Asia—covering everything from Boeing and Embraer to Airbus.

They’re also proud distributors for Safran Cabin, expanding their role beyond just parts to value-driven partnerships.

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👶 The Origin Story: Football, Family, and a Fork in the Road

Matt shares a personal story that sounds like it’s straight from a movie—falling asleep at the wheel after juggling football and airport shift work, a life-changing crash, and a mum with no time for nonsense. That led him into the world of aviation parts, working with a long-time family acquaintance and learning the ropes from the ground up. Think: real-deal apprenticeship with hands-on experience and industry exposure from age 19.

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🚀 Founding J2 Aerospace: A Pandemic-Era Pivot

Fast forward to 2019, when Matt decided it was time for a new challenge. Enter a serendipitous conversation with the future co-founder from J2 Group in Sweden. What started with a phone call turned into a business plan—and J2 Aerospace was born.

…Just in time for COVID.

With the world shutting down, Matt and the team had a unique opportunity: to build a company from a blank slate—from ERP systems and stock management to warehouses and customer networks. They worked from their dining room tables while others were soaking up the sun on furlough. The grind was real.

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💥 Startup Realities: Small Wins, Big Impact

From early hires to unexpected wins (like not having to prepay for a part for once!), Matt reflects on the rollercoaster of startup life. As the company grew from 3 people to 17, every little step forward felt like a huge milestone. Matt emphasizes that J2 Aerospace is built on people, and that foundation continues to guide its growth.

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🌍 Looking Ahead: MROs, Growth and Global Support

While the team won’t be at MRO Atlanta, they’ve got their hands full with major operations (think: 8,000+ lines of activity 🔥). But they’ll be present at MRO Beer in Prague, ready to connect and grow their network further.

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💬 Final Thoughts: Passion, Grit, and the Long Game

Matt wraps up the podcast with a message that hits home: believe in your product, trust your people, and play the long game. That’s the J2 mindset—and it’s clearly paying off.

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🎥 Watch the full interview
👉 Oyster Arrow Podcast – Matt Horscroft | YouTube

💼 Curious how J2 Aerospace can support your aviation sourcing needs? Get in touch—we’re always here to help.