Washington, DC, June 18, 2015 – More than 100 aviation business professionals gathered this week for the National Air Transportation Association’s (NATA) inaugural Aviation Business Conference in our nation’s Capitol. NATA’s new conference included two Capitol Hill events where a bi-partisan group of aviation policymakers, including the leaders of the General Aviation Caucuses and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, spent time with attendees discussing issues affecting their operations.
Among the other highlights:
• FAA Associate Administrator Eduardo Angeles outlined the state of airport funding and co-moderated a panel of airport operators and aviation businesses;
• Industry leaders joined NATA President and CEO Tom Hendricks for a panel to discuss consolidation within the industry;
• FAA officials discussed the status of NextGen; and
• Other sessions updated attendees on state and federal tax issues, Part 135 compliance and maintenance regulations, and safety topics such as industry standards and emergency preparedness and response.
NATA’s Aviation Business Conference carries on the aviation community’s tradition of support for the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) through a popular raffle and auction. This year, the VAC donations exceeded $83,000 in value, nearly twice the amount raised in 2014. The Veterans Airlift Command is a charitable organization that provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans, and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes. Summit participants were honored to hear from Staff Sergeant Brian Mast who gave a moving presentation that included how the VAC has aided in his recovery.
“We are always gratified by the generosity of our members in supporting the Veterans Airlift Command. In addition to their financial gifts, our members volunteer throughout the year by flying missions and donating flight hours to this outstanding organization. We are honored to support those who have given so much for our freedoms,” said NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks.
“From Ed Gillespie’s opening remarks to Chairman Shuster’s closing session on FAA reform, we received positive feedback from attendees on the conference’s new format. We are appreciative to our members, key government officials and industry experts for coming together to advance the interests of all aviation businesses,” added Hendricks.
