NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen helped kick off the launch of the Delaware Valley Business Aviation Association (DVBAA) this week. Speaking at the virtual event, Bolen noted that local, state, and regional groups support NBAA’s mission to create a thriving business aviation environment.
He cited the recent collaboration between the organization and DVBAA members in response to TFRs resulting from President Biden’s weekend trips to his home in Wilmington, Delawares, approximately five miles from New Castle Airport (KILG). The groups were able to successfully lobby the TSA to change one of the approved gateway airports into KILG from Newark International to Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley International, an airport that is more accommodating to business aircraft operators.
“That speaks volumes about how important it is that we work together to solve problems,” said Bolen. “Local problems quickly become national and international challenges, and how we deal with it always sets a precedent for what comes next.”
Bolen also touched on how the Covid-19 pandemic attracted new first-time users to business aviation and emphasized the industry's need to support greater diversity, equality, and inclusion. “We can share our experiences, we can promote best practices, and working together I think we can achieve an extraordinary level of efficiency and effectiveness to be relevant to a world that is changing rapidly,” he said.