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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]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly catalyzed an unprecedented boom in business aviation, driven by shifts in travel patterns, increased personal wealth, and the rise of "business leisure," creating both significant demand and strain on the industry.
  • In response to this growth, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is prioritizing core operational areas including continuously enhancing safety, advancing sustainability through new fuels and practices, and improving airport infrastructure.
  • The NBAA is also actively engaged with future challenges and opportunities, focusing on integrating emerging technologies like eVTOLs, navigating connectivity issues such as 5G interference, and addressing the critical industry-wide need to recruit and retain a skilled workforce.
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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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