NBAA Largest Civil Aviation Trade Show

NBAA 2000 is the largest civil aviation trade show ever, 12% larger than last year's convention and 20% larger than the 1998 gathering.

Kicking off the festivities, NBAA President Jack Olcott said more companies are using business aviation than ever before, and that NBAA membership has reached 6,200--a record.

"New products have had the greatest influence on growth, but the environment in which business aviation operates is just as important," Olcott said.

Trading comments with GAMA President Ed Bolen, Olcott lauded the work of the FOARC rulemaking team, which soon will publish an amendment to Part 91 dealing specifically with fractional ownership operations.

Bolen cited NBAA/GAMA lobbying efforts that helped ensure the passage of the AIR-21 legislation, which provides for an 88% increase in federal airport funding over the next three years.

Air traffic delays, international access and noise-related politics were mentioned as ongoing challenges to both groups, as was the need to interest young people in aviation careers, and to support the professional development of industry employees.

By Paul Richfield