Dealing With The Ups and Downs Of Our Aero-Image

ANN does not have to tell anyone that aviation has not had a good year... and one of the reasons for that, economics notwithstanding, is the fact that our image has suffered dramatic hits this year in terms of public, media and governmental perceptions of who and what this industry truly is.

ANN's Jim Campbell has chatted with Gulfstream President Joe Lombardo over the past year and noted an undeniable commitment to not only improving the image of Gulfstream among all those who matter, but in seeing that all of aviation gets a chance to show off its true measure.

Lombardo was one of the most forceful speakers at this summer's compelling Business Aviation day at Oshkosh 2009. Lombardo said that, "The President and Congress attacked our image," and further noted that he has been spending time talking to local, state, and federal officials about the economic impact of business aviation. He discussed NetJet, which is the nations oldest fractional ownership company. Not only are companies like NetJet providing jobs for pilots, dispatchers, and maintenance people, but the economic impact ripples out to hotels, restaurants, caterers, and others in the service and support sector. He said those in the aviation community need to stay positive -- that they have to, "Maintain a positive attitude, and take every opportunity to share a positive message with the media, state, and local officials."

Lombardo continued that message at NBAA2009, and while only too happy to crow (justifiably) about Gulfstream triumphs in a year when many others have little to brag about, Lombardo showed that he "has our back" in maintaining an aggressive tone about the message GA and BizAv has to craft and send to avoid future setbacks, embarrassments and misunderstandings. 

FMI: www.gulfstream.com, www.nbaa.org, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews