The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announced the launch of a new initiative called \u201cGeneral Aviation Advancing America.\u201d At cities throughout the U.S., NATA leadership will join in focus groups consisting of 10 or fewer essential community and aviation stakeholders to discuss how rural airports serve as a runway for economic development, job recovery, and emergency response. The General Aviation Advancing America initiative is designed to encourage open dialogue among a focused group of key participants on how general aviation stakeholders facilitate the success of the community. Another goal of these gatherings is to generate ideas on how we can work together to demonstrate and communicate the significant, meaningful contributions of the airport and its tenant businesses during this time of challenge and change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith General Aviation Advancing America, NATA saw an\nopportunity to showcase the immense value airports and general aviation\nbusinesses contribute to their regions. Without these crucial businesses, the\nessential roles that general aviation fulfills will cease, leaving a serious\nvoid in disaster relief capabilities and diminishing the support of growth and\nprosperity in many cities,\u201d stated NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts.\n\u201cThese focused gatherings are intended to bring key business and community\nleaders together to discuss how the aviation activity in these cities and towns\nsupport well-paying jobs, economic growth, and connection that can empower a\ncommunity during all crisis phases, throughout recovery, and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is an unprecedented time for our industry and there is\na great opportunity to inform the American people both at a local and national\nlevel of the added benefit, convenience, and safety that general aviation\nenables. In addition to the ease of traveling on your own terms, flying private\nprovides a controlled environment with fewer touch points. We are seeing an\nuptick in first-time private travelers and are working with our members and\nother industry stakeholders to ensure we see this pattern of recovery and\npotential growth continue,\u201d added Ryan Waguespack, NATA Senior Vice President.\n\u201cAs safety is foremost in NATA\u2019s mission, the event will adhere to all health\nsafety operation protocols outlined in the Safety 1st Clean standard. We look\nforward to continuing our dialogue with member companies on how NATA can be of\nfurther assistance as they continue to provide essential transportation and\nemergency services that will advance recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n