Leaders from virtually all segments of the aviation business sector gathered in Dallas on November 17-18 to tackle a wide range of pressing issues, identify strategies to keep the aviation industry thriving, and outline pathways for moving forward.
NATA’s (the National Air Transportation Association) annual Aviation Business Conference brought together industry experts, thought leaders, and key decision-makers for robust panel discussions, insightful presentations, and an energetic exchange of best-practice strategies. Attendees represented the full spectrum of the aviation business ecosystem, including fixed base operators, air charter operators, flight schools, maintenance companies, airports, and advanced air mobility entities.
“A healthy aviation ecosystem requires balance, including safety with access, stability with flexibility, and strong collaboration across the community,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “NATA’s Aviation Business Conference embodies that collaborative spirit by bringing together industry leaders to ensure we are prepared, aligned, and ready to lead in a rapidly evolving business environment.”
A common thread woven through the sessions centered on customer experience and the value of all aviation businesses, regardless of industry segment, understanding market conditions and applying that insight to maintain powerful and lasting connections.
“Whether the discussion focused on sustainability, infrastructure, the current political and regulatory environment, or customer experience, a common theme emerged: a better understanding of industry dynamics strengthens our community and enables us to lead with confidence and agility,” Castagna added. “We must also understand and appreciate what matters most to our customers in order to develop and align effective strategies. This year’s conference equipped attendees with the insight, perspective, and resources needed to make more informed decisions for their businesses and better advocate for the industry.”
The agenda comprised a wide breadth of perspectives, offered by visionaries committed to the industry’s success and dedicated to sharing their deep knowledge. Insightful sessions included such thought-provoking topics as the following:
- Are Business Aviation Customers Paying What the Service is Worth?
- Navigating Rates, Fees, and Leases: Building a Sustainable Aviation System
- AAM at the Airport: Turning Innovation into Future Revenue Opportunities
- Charting a Sustainable Course in Shifting Political Landscapes
The conference also featured a frank, far-reaching conversation between Castagna and FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau, a veteran of both the public and private aviation sectors. The discussion highlighted the deep and mutually beneficial relationship between the FAA and aviation businesses associations like NATA, and how collaboration enables sound policy decisions that foster aviation business safety, security, and industry growth.
During the discussion, Castanga made it clear that the nation’s aviation sector – powered by its common mission and collaborative spirit – remains strong, even after a difficult government shutdown.
“This year’s Aviation Business Conference came at a pivotal moment for our industry, occurring just days after the longest federal government shutdown in history,” said Castagna. “The impact of the resulting Emergency Orders and NOTAMs underscored how interconnected the NAS truly is and reinforced the essential role of air charter and general aviation. Our members responded with professionalism, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to safety, and both their recent experiences and the depth of their past operational insight helped shape the conversations throughout the day.”
The day was anchored by the annual NATA Industry Excellence Awards Luncheon, which celebrates individuals and organizations that demonstrate superior service to the aviation community and advance a safety-first culture in general aviation.
NATA’s top honor, the William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award, was presented to Million Air CEO Roger Woosley for his lifetime of achievement in advancing the general aviation industry and for exemplifying Ong’s enduring commitment to service, safety, and advocacy. Profiles of the award winners can be found on NATA’s Aviation Business Journal website.
The Aviation Business Conference also provided an opportunity to recognize NATA’s 85th anniversary of dedicated service to the industry, and commitment to businesses that keep our nation’s airspace and industry the strongest and safest in the world.
But as NATA Chief Operating Officer Hector Huezo emphasized in closing the event, our members are only as strong as they are bonded together in support of the entire industry.
“It’s clear that the same spirit of industry collaboration that has guided this association through generations of change continues to guide us today,” Huezo said. “The resilience and forward-thinking leadership that has defined NATA through the years are the same qualities that have been reflected in this room this week.”
