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NBAA’s Bolen: Change Brings Opportunity

Association president sits down with FLYING to discuss group's priorities for remainder of 2022.

Ed Bolen, the president of the NBAA. [Courtesy: NBAA]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The business aviation industry has experienced unprecedented growth since late 2020, driven by shifts in travel due to the pandemic, increased personal wealth, and the rise of "business leisure" travel.
  • The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is focused on several key strategic priorities to ensure the industry's continued thriving and sustainable future.
  • These priorities include maintaining and enhancing safety standards, advancing sustainability through initiatives like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and new propulsion technologies, and improving vital airport infrastructure.
  • NBAA is also actively working to integrate emerging technologies such as eVTOLs and address critical workforce challenges across the industry to attract and retain talent.
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In a manner that no one could’ve predicted, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to global airline travel led to alternative use of travel dollars, as people sought other ways to find transportation for business and recreation. From late 2020 until now, the business aviation industry, across most sectors, has flourished in unprecedented ways, unwittingly putting a strain on the industry as it has tried to keep up with new demand.

Separately, the windfall many people secured in personal investments has afforded them the ability to fly privately, perhaps for the first time. In some cases, fears about exposure to the virus have kept people away from the airlines. OEMs and aftermarket brokers have seen record aircraft sales as people want to fly on their own terms.

Michael Wildes

Michael Wildes holds a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Previously, he worked at the university’s flight department as a Flight Check Airman, Assistant Training Manager, and Quality Assurance Mentor. He holds MEI, CFI & CFII ratings. Follow Michael on Twitter @Captainwildes.

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