Enterprises of Great Pitch and Moment

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announced on 15 November 2022 that it would enhance its focus on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) relative to general aviation infrastructure and air charter operations.

To bolster the association’s stated objective and head up its AAM initiatives, NATA Managing Director of Industry and Regulatory Affairs Megan Eisenstein will shift her responsibilities to Managing Director of Industry Affairs and Innovation. Furthermore, to foster the connection between the emergent AAM sector and the Part 135 environment, Ryan Waguespack will serve as Senior Advisor (AAM).

In Miami, Florida on 02 November, NATA convened its first AAM Committee meeting in conjunction with its Aviation Business Conference. An additional meeting is planned for January 2023 in Washington, DC along with a half-day Town Hall during which information and pleasantries will be exchanged with NATA members.

NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna remarked: “We are excited to expand NATA’s efforts to lay a solid foundation for emerging industry entrants and new technologies under the leadership of Megan and Ryan. Megan has a keen understanding of the aviation business landscape, our industry’s sustainability advancements, and the public-private partnerships required to unite key stakeholders and prepare our members by empowering their success. Ryan is invaluable to this effort as he brings a wealth of air charter operation knowledge and an ability to think creatively and build community.”

In addition to addressing infrastructure the likes of vertiports—the inchoate methods and orthodoxies of which stand to impact the means by which the broader aviation industry processes and transports people and goods—NATA’s recent webinar, titled How New Industry Entrants are Changing the General Aviation Landscape, provided stakeholder input to FBOs and airports planning to service the next generation of AAM aircraft.

Webinar special guest Nate Ward of BETA Technologies outlined requirements germane to the design and construction of charging infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft, and suggested a timeline of at least one-year in advance of the arrival of such vessels for charging equipment acquisition and implementation.

Mr. Castagna added: “The efficiency and effectiveness of AAM development and integration will require strategic leadership to address immediate needs related to ground service, operations, maintenance, and public acceptance. With guidance and input from key stakeholders on our new AAM committee, NATA has the right team in place to drive success in all focus areas for aviation businesses.”

FMI: www.nata.aero