NATA Celebrates 70 Years And Charts A Course For The Future
/2010 marks the 70th year of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) as the Voice of Aviation Business.
When NATA began in 1940, some of the issues critical to aviation then are not so very unfamiliar to us now – private aviation businesses in America were under attack from all sides, the unemployment rate was over 14 percent, tax rates had climbed to record highs and business investment and consumer purchasing power remained depressed. NATA was formed by a network of supporters across the country to protect the private aviation industry and help it prosper – a mission that NATA has proudly and successfully accomplished throughout its history.
For the past 70 years, NATA has remained on the front lines of Capitol Hill in defense of the rights and freedoms of aviation businesses. The association continues to develop and provide access to many valuable resources and opportunities to enable its members to be seen and heard within the community and throughout the country:
- NATA’s Safety 1st has created the standard in line service supervisor training and training management with the development of its revolutionary PLST Online program. “The level of professionalism in ground safety and customer service has been raised immeasurably through NATA’s Safety 1st PLST Online program. To date, more than 3,000 line service technicians have been trained to one standard – the highest standard. These men and women on the line are creating transportation experiences that cannot be matched,” said NATA President James K. Coyne.
- NATA is a means to connect to a huge network of men and women working in companies like yours. Their ideas, their imagination, and their curiosity help to create new opportunities for every business. “NATA is extremely proud to be represented by the best and the brightest in the aviation business industry. We have a strong core of volunteer leaders who are loyal to our mission and dedicated to the furtherance of the entire aviation community,” Coyne said.
- NATA recently launched a new series of free and low-cost webinars covering timely topics including minimum standards, ramp safety and security issues. NATA’s Web site, social media channels, Aviation Business Journal and newsletters serve up downloadable publications, informational blog posts, up-to-the-minute reports, educational articles, archived webinar recordings and helpful links to Federal Aviation Administration documents, as well as additional forums for networking and learning.
NATA’s history boasts many successes, including victory in the battle on fuel control in the late 1970s, an unprecedented campaign to confront the issue of airport access in the 1990s, a win in reopening Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to traffic other than scheduled airlines in 2005 and, most recently, continued success in abolishing user fees.
“Now is the time to celebrate these victories and many more, but we still have work to do. I ask NATA members, community officials and local representatives to come together to discuss the vital importance of aviation business to the economy, mail service, rescue missions and to the creation of jobs," Coyne said. "NATA is pleased to help facilitate these meetings through a number of Town Hall gatherings, its annual Day On The Hill event on April 21 and with our strong support of the General Aviation Serves America campaign.”
Coyne’s February speaking engagements include industry meetings with Florida-based NATA members in Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando and Venice. More town halls, industry meetings, celebrations and events are planned for the year. Visit NATA’s President’s Page at www.nata.aero/presidentspage for more details and frequent updates.
“The association’s staff is as committed to its members and message as always. NATA’s goal is the unwavering support of the thousands who support aviation business," Coyne said. "You don’t celebrate 70 years as a member organization by accident. That longevity requires an active membership, dedicated staff, bold leadership and tireless work – all factors in the success of the last 70 years and for many to come."
NATA launched its 70th year anniversary with a birthday party at its FBO Leadership Conference in San Antonio last month. “NATA’s Board of Directors and staff enjoyed the opportunity early in the year to celebrate the association’s accomplishments as well as to thank the FBO members who have supported our efforts and contributed to our success, but I am pleased to announce that there is much more planned," Coyne said. "Our goal is to include as many of our members and supporters in our anniversary celebration as possible."