The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has announced the launch of a new initiative called General Aviation Advancing America. At cities throughout the US, 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 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 the industry 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.

“With General Aviation Advancing America, we saw an opportunity to showcase the immense value airports and general aviation businesses contribute to their regions. Without these crucial businesses, the essential roles that general aviation fulfils will cease, leaving a serious void in disaster relief capabilities and diminishing the support of growth and prosperity in many cities,” states NATA president and CEO Timothy Obitts. “These focused gatherings are intended to bring key business and community leaders together to discuss how the aviation activity in these cities and towns support well-paying jobs, economic growth and connection that can empower a community during all crisis phases, throughout recovery and beyond.”

Ryan Waguespack, NATA senior vice president adds: “This is an unprecedented time for our industry, and there is a great opportunity to inform the American people both at a local and national level of the added benefit, convenience and safety that general aviation enables. In addition to the ease of travelling on your own terms, flying private provides a controlled environment with fewer touch points.

“We are seeing an uptick in first-time private travellers and are working with our members and other industry stakeholders to ensure we see this pattern of recovery and potential growth continue. As safety is foremost in NATA's mission, the event will adhere to all health safety operation protocols outlined in the Safety 1st Clean standard. We look forward to continuing our dialogue with member companies on how NATA can be of further assistance as they continue to provide essential transportation and emergency services that will advance recovery.”

The first General Aviation Advancing America events will take place in Colorado and Nevada.