Dear Friends and Supporters of the Greater Miami Aviation Association,

It's been an incredibly dynamic period for the GMAA, and we're thrilled to share some of the highlights and achievements that have kept our association flying high! Your continued support is the very fuel that powers our mission to champion South Florida's vital aviation and aerospace industry.

Impactful Gatherings and Insightful Discussions

Our monthly luncheons continue to be a cornerstone of the GMAA experience, consistently drawing an average of 60 engaged participants. These gatherings aren't just about delicious food; they're vibrant hubs for networking and knowledge exchange. We've been fortunate to host a diverse array of fascinating guest speakers and panelists who've delved into critical aspects of our industry. From the latest technological advancements to pressing regulatory changes and the future of air travel, these discussions provide invaluable insights and foster crucial connections among our members. We're always eager to hear your suggestions for future topics and speakers, so please don't hesitate to reach out!

A particular highlight this past April was our luncheon focusing on Women in Aviation. This event sparked an incredibly important conversation about the ascent of women in aviation careers and what we, as an industry, can do to further promote inclusivity and retain talented women. It was an inspiring session, featuring a panel of experts who shared their experiences and offered actionable insights. Additionally, In June we hosted Tim Strauss, CEO of 21Air, to learn about the ascent of his airline and expansion plans in Miami. In May we had a distinguished panel discussing the impact of Tarifs on our industry. Stay tuned for our next events!

Championing the Next Generation: Scholarships!

One of the most rewarding aspects of the GMAA's work is our commitment to fostering the next generation of aviation professionals through the GMAA-Batchelor Scholarship Foundation. We are immensely proud to announce that this year has been so far monumental for our scholarship program, We received generous donations from Two major benefactors: The Vail Family Foundation – David and Kevin Vail , founders of Aero Accessories donated $100,000 to the scholarship fund, as well as AAR and its CEO John Holmes, who made good on his pledge at the GMAA gala last year, with another $100,000 donation. We are accepting scholarship applications as we speak, and the deadline is July 30^th. Interviews will take place in August. The scholarships we provide are truly life-changing, enabling deserving students to pursue their aviation dreams and contribute to the future of this dynamic industry.

Celebrating Excellence at Our Annual Gala & Golf tournament

The 98th Annual Wright Brothers Memorial Gala, will be held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach, on November 1^st at 6pm. This black-tie event brings together industry leaders, dedicated members, and passionate supporters for an evening of celebration and recognition. Please go to our website to inquire about participation and sponsorship opportunities.

Our "Swinging for Education" Golf Tournament continues to be a fantastic way to combine camaraderie with a vital cause. This popular event not only offers a wonderful opportunity for networking on the green but also plays a crucial role in raising funds for our scholarship program. Our tournament will take place at the amazing Normandy Shores CC, on December 5^th. Golfers of all levels are welcome!

GMAA Greater Miami Aviation Association is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Pamela Fuertes Berti and Ana M. Finol. Their extensive experience and deep commitment to the South Florida community are set to significantly enhance the GMAA's mission and initiatives.

Pamela Fuertes Berti brings a wealth of expertise in global business, trade, and transportation. As the Dean of the Miguel B. Fernandez Family School of Global Business, Trade & Transportation Miami Dade College she is a driving force in aligning educational programs with industry needs and fostering strategic partnerships.

Ana Finol, is a highly respected figure in aviation infrastructure. As the Assistant Director for Facilities Development at the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, she has played a pivotal role in the expansion and modernization of Miami International Airport . A registered professional engineer and certified general contractor, Ana's leadership in project management and her commitment to efficiency and safety have been instrumental in MIA's continued success. Her practical experience and vision for future development will offer critical insights to the GMAA's strategic planning.

Aviv Tzur, President of GMAA commented: “Our entire board extends a warm welcome to Pamela and Ana. Their appointments underscore the association's commitment to strong leadership and diverse expertise, positioning the GMAA to further its mission of promoting and supporting the aviation industry in Greater Miami. The entire organization looks forward to their contributions as they help steer the GMAA into a new era of growth and impact”

Best,

Aviv Tzur

President

It’s Not Just Saying “We’re the Best”

In aviation, “We save you time and money” is the most overused line in marketing. Without proof or specificity, it becomes background noise. A strong value proposition should do more—it should speak directly to what your customer actually cares about and back it up with real results.

If you're an MRO, parts supplier, or aviation service provider, here are three common mistakes to avoid:

1. Listing everything—saying nothing.

A long list of capabilities sounds impressive, but if you sound like everyone else, you’re forgettable. Instead, focus on one or two key strengths that matter most to your customer.

2. Making claims with no evidence.

Saying “we’re better” isn’t enough. Prove it with data: turnaround times, performance metrics, cost savings, or reliability rates. Case studies go a long way.

3. Talking about yourself—not their needs.

It’s not about what you offer—it’s about how it solves your customer’s problem. Whether that’s compliance, reliability, or speed, make your message about them.

So what makes a good aviation value prop?

• Understand what your customer is really comparing you to (another vendor, in-house work, or waiting).

• Lead with their biggest problem, not your services.

• Back it up with proof—visuals, numbers, or real customer results.

• Keep it simple. No jargon, just clarity.

A good value proposition isn’t louder. It’s clearer—and more relevant.

Need help refining your message?

Let’s talk: www.becksandthejets.com

We help aviation businesses craft clear, strategic marketing that speaks directly to their audience



Rebekah Knaster

Founder, Becks and the Jets LLC

“The thriving and collaborative business climate the Alliance continues to cultivate remains a key driver of economic growth and resilience in Broward,” said Bob Swindell, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, at the organization’s recent Mid-Year Meeting held on May 16. “Thus far this year, we’re thrilled to have assisted with high-impact investments, expansions, and relocations that underscore the robust growth of high-value sectors such as aviation MRO in Broward County - along with our strong and talented workforce, business leadership, and infrastructure that continue to support new growth opportunities.”

Aviation companies thus far assisted by the Alliance in Fiscal Year 2025 include:

• CTS Engines, a global leader of mature aviation engine maintenance, is expanding in Coral Springs, creating 41 new high-skill jobs and making a capital investment of $2.5 million.
• VSE Corporation, a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services, relocated its corporate headquarters from Northern Virginia to Miramar, where it is co-located with the company’s Aviation segment headquarters and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center of excellence. The $3.4 million capital investment will create and support a combined total of 350 high-value jobs over the next five years. VSE continues to grow in Broward County, having recently acquired Kellstrom Aerospace and Vortex Aviation.

By Ana M. Finol P.E.

Assistant Director, Facilities Development

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Registered Professional Engineer

Miami-Dade County General Engineer Contractor

Certified General Contractor in the State of Florida

Get ready for an electrifying showdown at PBExpo 2026! Aviation Workforce Solutions and the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS) are thrilled to host the ultimate Aircraft Technician Competition, igniting the skies of Florida with raw talent and fierce competition. FAA Part 147 AMTS students from across the state will clash in heart-pounding challenges, pushing their skills to the limit in a battle for aviation supremacy.

New for 2026: The “Best Tech” Showdown!

For the first time ever, seasoned technicians can step into the spotlight and compete for the coveted “Best Tech” title. Each company can send only one elite technician to this high-stakes arena, making every moment a nail-biting spectacle. The stakes? Massive bragging rights and a chance to cement your legacy as the top tech in the industry! Don’t miss your shot to shine! Whether you’re a rising star or a seasoned pro, this is your moment to dominate the competition. Register NOW at https://aviationworkforcesolutions.com/PBExpo2026.html and soar to new heights at PBExpo 2026! Have questions or would like to be a sponsor? Reach out to Sean Gallagan at Sean@AviationWorkforcesolutions.com

All the best!

21 Air team and colleagues at the GMAA Luncheon, sharing a proud moment after Tim’s keynote.

Contributed by Klemen Ferjan – GMAA Board Member & Head of Business Transformation at 21 Air

Flight Training Transformed

Pan Am Flight Academy Develops Next-Gen Virtual ATP-CTP Platform

By Sergio Casce - Pan Am Flight Academy | Featured in Greater Miami Aviation Association

As commercial aviation continues its rapid global recovery, the need for well-trained pilots has surged. Leading the charge to meet this demand with innovation is Pan Am Flight Academy, headquartered in Miami. With more than 40 years of experience in pilot training, Pan Am is now developing a state-of-the-art Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) platform for its Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP).

This next-generation solution aims to combine the flexibility of virtual learning with the structure and quality of traditional classroom instruction—a forward-looking response to the changing needs of the aviation training industry.

Immersive Learning from Anywhere

Pan Am’s new virtual classroom will go far beyond conventional video conferencing. The immersive digital classroom is designed to closely simulate the experience of in-person training, allowing students to fully engage with instructors and classmates from anywhere in the world.

Planned features include:

• High-definition, multi-angle video streaming with directional audio
• Live instructor-led sessions with real-time Q&A
• Interactive whiteboards, digital annotations, and content archiving
• Participation tools including chat, live polls, and breakout rooms
• Automated engagement tracking and attendance monitoring for FAA compliance

The goal is to provide students with a seamless and highly interactive educational experience, reinforcing critical concepts and supporting strong knowledge retention before simulator training even begins.

Simulator Training Anchored in Real-World Proficiency

While the ground school will shift to an advanced virtual format, Pan Am remains committed to hands-on, in-person training for the simulator portion of the ATP-CTP program.

Trainees will travel to Pan Am's Miami training center to complete:

• 4 hours in a fixed-base simulator for systems integration and automation training
• 6 hours in a full-motion Level D simulator, emphasizing upset recovery, high-altitude operations, and CRM

This hybrid model ensures that pilot candidates receive both the flexibility of online learning and the rigor of practical training with FAA-certified equipment.

Training That Matches the Industry's Pace

Upon launch, the new virtual ATP-CTP platform will offer significant benefits:

• Reduced travel and lodging expenses for students
• Flexible scheduling and expanded geographic access
• Enhanced student engagement through technology-enhanced delivery
• Full compliance with FAA regulatory standards

Pan Am’s initiative represents a strategic move to align with the modern airline industry's expectations while maintaining the Academy’s signature quality of instruction.

A Legacy of Innovation in Miami

As one of the longest-operating and most trusted aviation training institutions in the U.S., Pan Am Flight Academy has always been a pillar of the Greater Miami aviation community. With the development of this advanced virtual training platform, Pan Am is reaffirming its role as an innovator—preparing the next generation of pilots with the flexibility, depth, and readiness required in today's competitive airline environment.

To learn more or receive program updates, visit www.panamacademy.com or contact Sales@panamacademy.com.