Now that the cost of fuel is dropping and will continue to drop over the next year, what other cost-saving measures can we implement to help save money where we can? The ground support industry is no stranger to the wide-sweeping effects of a weak economy. Even though the cost of fuel is lower, the struggles are not going to end there.
Recently I took a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the Green Synergies Across the Aviation Value Chain: Europe-North America Symposium presented by IATA and AAAE. Representatives of airlines and airports were there for a common purpose: to learn from each other on how to become more environmentally aware, and discuss how important collaboration is in solving the environmental challenges facing aviation. There must be a collective effort because, to borrow a phrase from one conference speaker, airplanes don’t run on sunshine. (If they did, we would all have a different business plan. Living in Wisconsin, I wish they would run on snow but that might cause more problems than it would solve.)
The ground support industry supports aviation literally from the ground up and we need to make sure that we are working together with the other aviation players to get the new products and procedures out there to help save time and money.
Personally, I am looking forward to the new year; 2008 was difficult for me as well as the industry. With a new year brings a new beginning and a new outlook. I am also looking forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas for Aviation Industry Expo. I am hoping to be rid of my cane, and if that is the case you will see me skipping down the aisles … well maybe walking at a fast pace.
With a new year comes change, and Ground Support Worldwide is no exception. In this issue of Gound Support Worldwide, I would like to introduce to you the new managing editor, Lisa Haddican. Lisa started with us as the assistant editor and has shown a real drive and dedication to the ground support industry. In the next year, Lisa will work to continue learning and bringing you the news important to the industry.
