NATA continues to evolve as our members’ needs and the aviation business ecosystem shift and expand. As we approach our 85th anniversary of service in 2025 – we remain steadfast in our belief that community is key to our collective success – together we truly are stronger, safer, and smarter.

The NATA team developed and is delivering on a strategy for industry and association improvement called Focus 2024, highlighting 4 key areas: Leadership, Safety, Advocacy, and Partnership.

Leadership

NATA members are leaders in demonstrating community partnership and environmental progress in efforts to move toward unleaded aviation gasoline and NATA has been there every step of the way in empowering the safety and success of these efforts. We will continue to work with our industry and agency partners in supporting a lead-free future for general aviation.

Our members are also illuminating a path for the advent of advanced air mobility across all lines of aviation business. We continue to grow our AAM Committee and develop lines of communication between each member segment from ground handling to safety, and air charter to maintenance.

Last fall, NATA launched its new brand signaling a “forever forward” image and strategy for recruiting new industry entrants, expanding our market beyond a national reach, and portraying a proactive approach to advancing our mission: empowering the safety and success of aviation businesses. As the advocates for aviation business, we amplify your voice, create connections, foster professional growth, and elevate the industry ecosystem. We are proud of our rich heritage and prepared for future possibilities.

Safety

Safety 1st launched its updated LMS, allowing for scalability, personalization, and development of aviation safety training programs. We continue to make improvements and updates based on member feedback and input. We appreciate the hard work of Steve Berry and his team throughout this arduous, though crucial process.

With the FAA release of its final SMS Rule in late April, the NATA Regulatory Team immediately combed through the 160-page document and continued its proactive approach to educating our members on safety management and the implications of the SMS Rule on our members. The team was led by VP of Regulatory Affairs Alan Stephens and Jenny Ann, along with the leadership and members of the Air Charter Committee who raised their concerns and helped educate the Agency through the NPRM comment period.

As SMS is already an integral part of the aviation safety culture; this action solidifies our members’ dedication to system implementation and advancements. We are continuing conversations with the Agency to address our remaining concerns and deliver further guidance that will inform both industry and agency field personnel on the process and procedures for effective implementation.

We greatly value the Agency collaboration, including the participation of FAA Associate Administrator Dave Boulter and the SMS Office team members at our recent Air Charter Summit in Oklahoma City.

Advocacy

Over the last two years our legislative focus has been successful passage of a long-term FAA reauthorization bill that increases Agency efficiency, safeguards aviation safety, and fosters industry innovation to benefit the entire aviation ecosystem.

NATA was intentional in coordinating and collaborating with Congressional leaders and diverse industry stakeholders to craft transformative legislation for regulators and aviation businesses alike.

I would like to recognize NATA Vice President of Government Affairs Karen Huggard, for her tireless work on behalf of our members and industry that led to a bill that includes many of NATA’s priorities on overall FAA modernization, FAA efficiency for 135 certification and oversight, airport investment, AAM innovation, and more.

Under her guidance and our members’ support, the bill was also clear of anti-FBO/airport provisions related to FBO pricing practices and transient aircraft parking.

Key to our success has been regular, collaborative communication with regulators, legislators and their staffs, including your support in communicating the unique story and positive impact of your aviation business on the national and local economies.

Partnership

We’ve continued to develop relationships with the Alaska Air Carriers Association, Choctaw Nation, Women in Aviation, industry experts, and business service providers to create additional value for our members, tap into a broad scope of industry knowledge, build awareness of aviation businesses, and develop a pipeline of future aviation professionals.

The NATA team is actively exploring strategic partnership opportunities to expand our members’ access to industry expertise and solutions, as well as provide additional value to NATA membership. We’ve launched a few of those over the past few weeks, including KGG for SMS implementation and certification assistance and Hawthorne Hill for security solutions. Look for additional partner announcements in the coming weeks.

NATA is driven by our mission of empowering your safety, security, and success. As always, we welcome your feedback on our efforts and input in guiding our strategic focus.