Aviation Summit Focuses on Challenges

Never known for hiding his light under a bushel, former American Airlines chairman and CEO Bob Crandall kicked off a panel session of aviation manufacturing executives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual aviation conference in late March by asking them, “Why are you guys always late and over budget?” on delivering products.

Gary Spulak, president of Embraer Aircraft Holding, said the customer as a target is always moving and changing speeds because of many factors beyond his control. “Fuel costs, volcanic eruptions, bird flu–all of these things are happening and changing the dynamics of what makes the customer successful,” he explained.