The International Aircraft Dealers Association's (IADA) newly-formed NextGen Committee has made a strong start in its first year, the U.S.-based organization reported this week. The group recently held a networking event in San Diego and provided an update on its efforts to nurture the next generation of business aircraft transaction professionals.
Among the events organized by the committee in its inaugural year was the Business of Flight session staged jointly with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. NextGen committee vice chair Richard McEachin, who is an attorney with the Aviation Legal Group, and IADA-certified broker Kandi Spangler, who is JetAviva’s managing director, presented a session on ethics in aircraft transactions.
To encourage connections between younger members, IADA has launched a series of virtual events. In the new “Fuel Stop” sessions, aviation sales veteran Dustin Cordier hosts 30-minute conversations with industry leaders who share their insights and knowledge. In its “Afterburner” events, IADA members can interact with NextGen Committee members to learn how they can use resources such as the community board portal, social media channels, and educational opportunities.
Jordan Scales, director of aircraft management with Clay Lacy Aviation, has led the committee’s efforts to engage with students. He liaises closely with the Alpha Eta Rho fraternity to expand the list of universities and schools offering scholarships backed by the IADA Foundation.
John Bowman, director of business development at Hatt & Associates, heads up the Future Leaders subcommittee. This group launched the “Fuel Stop” initiative to help advance the careers of young professionals.
NextGen committee chair Jessica Belcher and IADA-certified broker Spencer Bloomer from Jet Transactions have led IADA’s efforts to boost its social media presence. They have established dedicated LinkedIn and Instagram accounts, as well as the association’s community board to keep members connected and informed.
IADA reported that its dealers collectively handle around 50% of used business aircraft transactions, buying and selling more aircraft by dollar value than the rest of the world’s dealers combined. Among the association’s accredited dealers, 99% do business in North America, 69% in Europe, 56% in Latin America and the Caribbean, 45% in the Asia Pacific region, 37% in the Middle East, and 33% in Africa.