As AIN launches this column, “SOP: Strategies, Options & Perspectives,” I find myself in the new capacity of NBAA president emeritus, self-employed entrepreneur based at Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey and commenter on the passing scene. This column will contain perspectives on the state of business aviation as seen by someone who is convinced that this community is an integral component of transportation and vital to economic development. Where possible, it will offer a seasoned look at strategies and options flight-department managers might consider to communicate and enhance the capabilities of their business aviation activities. And it will be a sincere effort to serve AIN readers by addressing their need for meaningful information.
As for the state of our community’s health, it is strong. Furthermore, I believe the opportunities for those engaged in business aviation are excellent. True, the manufacturing segment of business aviation is suffering, as are other providers
of capital goods in our nation’s multi-year economic downturn. But hours flown by corporate flight departments are up compared with 12 and 24 months ago, reflecting the basic need for safe, secure, timely and efficient transportation. Suppliers report continuing sales of spares and replacement items, and maintenance providers are busy. International operations have increased significantly as companies explore the global marketplace. Flight activity by established departments either grew or remained strong as our country dealt with difficult economic times.
