Service Companies Meet in Las Vegas …

… and one idea that may be taking root is the concept of incorporating an ‘FBO University’ curriculum into the show in future years. Credit for the idea goes to National Air Transportation Association president Jim Coyne, who seeks to build on the success in recent years of its training curriculum, notably its Safety 1st line training programming. The event being held here is the Aviation Industry Expo, which brings together NATA, the expo division of Cygnus Business Media, and GSE Expo. (In the interest of full disclosure: Cygnus is also the parent of AIRPORT BUSINESS.) In recent years the event has been in a redefining mode, and officials are encouraged by attendance – which is static, but in the current economic environment that is considered a positive. In particular, attendance for the series of seminars which NATA is hosting is up significantly. Comments NATA’s director of training Amy Koranda, “People have not been traveling in the past year, so it’s been difficult to move forward on the FBO University concept. But with attendance at this year’s show, I am thrilled; it’s beyond what I imagined.†The sessions currently being held focus on line service training and sharing best practices for FBO success, and attendance is nearly double over 2009, say officials. Regarding the FBO University concept Koranda says, “We put it on hold because of the economy, but we’re thrilled with the idea.†Not only is it a solid concept, but it’s a great brand on which to build. It can incorporate training, education, and sharing of best practices by top management – all in one forum. One idea on the table is to possibly create some sort of “official†documentation or certification which has the potential to heighten the significance of taking part. News item at the show: The Hiller Group, a Southeast distributor of aviation fuels based in Tampa, is acquiring Air Petro, which distributes fuels in the Western U.S. The goal, explains Hiller CEO Marty Hiller, is to grow the company nationwide and to take a more active role in promotion and in providing dealer support programs. Thanks for reading. jfi