Bolen Encourages Airport Reps: Take a Proactive Role in Industry Advocacy

Aug. 30, 2016

To stress the fundamental importance of airports to NBAA and its members, association President and CEO Ed Bolen met with airport leaders and state aviation officials at the 4 States Airport Conference on Aug. 30 in Kansas City, MO, where he was the featured speaker at the conference welcome luncheon.

Bolen’s visit is a part of NBAA’s ongoing efforts to discuss its advocacy efforts in Washington, DC, with members and other industry stakeholders nationwide; more than 300 airport representatives from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska attended the 4 States event. In recent weeks, NBAA representatives have also participated in airport conferences in other areas of the U.S., including West Virginia and Colorado.

“NBAA has a long history of recognizing and supporting our nation’s airport infrastructure,” said Bolen, who was introduced at the luncheon by FAA Central Region Administrator Joe Miniace. “Airports are fundamental to everything we do. They open access to communities and provide economic development opportunities. Our nation’s airport infrastructure is our partner. As the largest airport infrastructure in the world, collaboration is important, and this is an opportunity to talk with the industry at a grassroots level.”

Bolen encouraged conference attendees to take a proactive role in advocating for the industry, emphasizing the importance of sharing the positive story of business aviation.

“It’s important aviation professionals at every level are proactive in articulating the benefits of general aviation to communities, states and our country,” said Bolen. “General aviation in the United States is a great news story and a great industry, but in order for it to be fully understood and appreciated, we need to clearly articulate who we are and what we do.”

Bolen also provided updates on a number of political issues, including FAA reauthorization and other changes in the aviation system, such as the emergence of unmanned aircraft systems and their impact on airports and airspace.

“Ed’s ongoing support for this event demonstrates the importance of business aviation in the central region,” said Bob Quinn, NBAA’s Midwest regional representative. “This type of conference is an opportunity for NBAA to reach a larger audience in the aviation industry, and share the importance of business aviation to the region.”