... the focus is on new opportunities for fixed base operators (FBOs) and the future of aviation system funding. Each year, the aviation services sector meets for a combined event – Aviation Industry Expo and the annual conventions of the National Air Transportation Association and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association. The March 20-22 Expo, put on by Cygnus Expositions, a sister division of AIRPORT BUSINESS, is again projecting a record attendance, with more than 6,000 industry reps.Â
For NATA, the big news coming into its annual meeting is a reformatting of the event. It is now the FBO Leadership Conference, with a focus on management issues and new business opportunities. While charter companies are still expected to be in attendance, they’ll now have their own Charter Summit, planned for June 27-29, which will feature more regulatory subject matter.Â
The hot ‘D.C.’ topic, of course, is future funding of the system. NATA opposes much of FAA’s proposed revamp of the taxing system which seeks a host of new user fees and a dramatic jump in fuel taxes. The association has also expressed concern about future Airport Improvement Program funding, in particular potential cuts to the smallest general aviation airports.Â
More to come from Orlando. Thanks for reading. jfi Â