President’s Message Continued from page 5 concerns during the course of the pandemic and those that may lie ahead as restrictions throughout the country are lifted. NATA is pleased to serve as the bridge that unites these vital segments in ensuring the best possible operational flow for flight crew and ground-handling service professionals. Among the goals of the Part 135 COVID-19 Task Force are developing best practices for keeping flight crews safe, aircraft sanitation, and mini- mizing contact between the flight crews and ground- handling service professionals. We are very pleased to have several industry experts join us for this issue of ABJ to discuss trends, key chal- lenges, and opportunities for our industry: Craig Picken, Managing Partner, Northstar Group (page 33); Rollie Vincent, President, Rolland Vincent Associates, LLC and Creator/Director, JETNET iQ (page 64); and Mark Chambers, Managing Partner, Aviation Resource Group International (page 38). We thank them and all of our contributors for their insights into many facets of our industry. NATA and our industry are designed to assist in mak- ing connections, but we are also focused on safety. Once we can safely meet again, we will. Until then, we wish you all the best and ask you to keep your eyes on the horizon. Better times are ahead. As always, NATA is here to help now and as you operate in the new normal. Chairman’s Message By Curt Castagna, NATA Board Chairman I n the previous issue of the Aviation Business Journal, I signed off my column by saying how proud I am to be at the helm of NATA’s leader- ship team as we tally our wins and prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Little did we know at that time just what challenges were ahead for us all. Nonetheless, I stand firmly behind my words, and proud is an understatement. Among the pillars of the most effective associa- tions is a strong voice for its members and the ability to foster valuable connections and programs for the advancement of all segments of its constitu- ency. We have seen that in action at NATA, and I want to thank all of you, our members, for your continued support of the Association and its staff in their tremendous efforts. I want to personally congratulate Tim Obitts for stepping in as NATA President just a few short months ago and stepping up immediately on behalf of our industry in such a turbulent time. Aviation Business Journal | Spring 2020 It is great to see so many of our member com- panies engaged in meaningful activities to support their employees, tenants, communities, and one another. That sentiment applies to my own team at the Aerolease/Aeroplex Group and Aeroplex Group Partners for doing their part to help the community and their innovation in providing valuable services for operations during COVID-19 and in days to follow. The unity of being part of such a noble and pio- neering industry will propel us through this uncer- tainty and onto an upward trajectory. It has been my absolute pleasure to be a part of these incredible teams and an industry that believes in being the example. NATA is here, ready, and able to serve its mem- bers. In fact, during this time of crisis, NATA has stepped up to the plate and is serving all aviation businesses, regardless of whether they are a member or not. After all, we are all in this together and we will persevere! 7
