On the road at NAC and NBAA ...

… one finds that things are good, for the most part. In business aviation, they continue to be downright bullish.   A few outtakes from the National Airports Conference, hosted by AAAE in New Orleans …   -- Sharon Pinkerton, VP with ATA, offering the airline perspective: “We think the number one challenge for us is meeting (expected) demand.†-- James E. Bennett, head of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority cautions that just as the lack of ATC modernization will inhibit growth, so too will security demands. -- Andy Cebula, who heads up legislative affairs for AOPA, observes that, when it comes to VLJs (very light jets) and air taxi networks … well, in 18 years he’s seen a lot of charter network ideas come and go. Wait and see appears the best approach.   And how’s New Orleans doing? One indicator: Try to find a street sign that’s intact.   In Orlando, the annual NBAA convention attracted more than 31,000 attendees – a new record. What may be the record to watch is another year of absolutely bullish attitudes, and sales (as our website updates this week have recorded.)   The buzz-phrase to remember is “integrated solutions.†Signature, Jet Aviation/Midcoast, and others are stressing this approach to grow their businesses. It’s about examining how every service you offer may be of value to every customer. (Fuel customers in time buy maintenance services, etc.)   Thanks for reading. jfi