Report Increased Attendance And Energy

NATA convened its fourth Annual Meeting and Aviation Business Conference at the Grand Hyatt Washington last week. Attendance at the annual event exceeded previous years, driven in part by an agenda addressing opportunities and issues facing the aviation business community.

The NATA awards luncheon recognized, among others, former Government Accountability Office Director of Civil Aviation Issues Dr. Gerald Dillingham and presented its highest awards to long-time aviation business leaders Randall D. Berg, A.A.E. and Larry R. Flynn.

The Congressional Fly-In, a key event of the conference, occurred at an important time in the development of FAA reauthorization legislation. “As the Senate debates FAA reauthorization, NATA members participated in the Congressional Fly-In to personally express the need for a long-term and comprehensive FAA bill. Attendees also provided their perspective on issues important to the aviation business community, including workforce development, retention of flight standards reform and opposition of efforts to undermine aviation safety,” stated NATA President Marty Hiller.

Other conference highlights included keynote speeches by TSA Administrator David Pekoske and FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Ali Bahrami, as well as panel discussions and presentations covering a wide range of topics from safety and maintenance to tax issues and the future of environmental responsibility. Wednesday’s reception featured a presentation on sustainable alternative jet fuel — with support from Avfuel — highlighting the industry’s recent launch of the Business Aviation Guide to the Use of Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel.

“We were pleased to see a number of new faces, as well as many aviation business veterans. This year’s conference provided unique opportunities for our members to interact, share ideas and express their concerns, including a dinner for young aviation professionals and an association town hall session,” Hiller added.

(Source: NATA news release)

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