GMAA - Enjoy our "Wings" Newsletter November 2024

GMAA "Wings" Newsletter November 2024

Dear friends and supporters:

It is hard to believe that 2024 is coming to an end soon. It has been a very active year (and I’m not talking about the elections).

Our board of Directors worked hard this year to exceed our goals as an organization: we had amazing interactive lunches, featuring esteemed speakers from companies such as Global X, Aero Engine Solutions, The Boeing company, Airbus and Space Florida. We hosted two informative panels: in January Cyber Security discussion, and in July – manpower shortages, moderated by Tom Covella from STS. And of course, our most popular meeting was held in April – Executive ladies of Aviation. Such meetings are a great networking events, but also contribute to educate our members and students about various important trends and changes in our industry.

The pinnacle of our events came with our gala in October, which was themed “Saturday Night Fever”. Hundreds of supporters gathered at the beautiful Marriott Harbor Beach in Fort Lauderdale, and we were privileged to hear from esteemed award recipients such as John Travolta – Lifetime achievement award, John Dziuba (DASI) – Rickenbacker award, General Laura Richardson (SOUTHCOM) – Amelia Earhart award, David and Kevin Vail – Glenn Curtiss award, Peter Cerda (IATA) – Juan Trippe award and John Holmes (AAR) – Wright brothers award.

Mr. Holmes spontaneously announced that AAR will donate $100,000 to the scholarship foundation, which had the entire room exploding in applause. Earlier in the year, we secured a donation of $500,000 over 5 years from David & Kevin Vail. These significant charitable acts help us continue the momentum of representing the industry and supporting young women & men who wish to become pilots, mechanics, flight controllers and managers. This was our most prolific year as we were able to award FIFTY scholarships totaling $100,000, both record numbers. We are committed to continue in this fashion for the foreseeable future, but we are depended on you, our current and prospective members, to continue and be our life blood. Thank you for your commitment and generosity.

Our last fund-raising event will be the annual Golf tournament, December 6^th, at Normandy Shores Country Club. Sponsorships are still available.

As the holidays are upon us, we wish a peaceful and blessed thanksgiving to you and your families. We are grateful for the trust you bestowed upon us.

Onward & Upward to 2025.

Best,

Aviv Tzur

President

At Accommodations Plus International (API), our dedicated account teams, with deep expertise across the travel spectrum—including airlines, cruise lines, rail ways and hotels—provide bespoke solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. When it comes to effectively managing both passenger disruptions and supplier RFP processes, API stands at the forefront with innovative solutions. With over 40 years of experience and a diverse clientele of more than 100 airlines, cruise lines, and rail companies, API is committed to transforming the experience of both passengers and crew by integrating advanced technology and unparalleled industry expertise.

Strategic Sourcing: Managing over $4.4 billion in hotel expenditures globally, API is uniquely positioned to secure the most competitive market rates through our extensive network of partnerships. Our procurement team, comprised of over 100 seasoned professionals, consistently surpasses industry benchmarks through strategic sourcing and innovation. Recognized as a preferred partner by leading hotel brands, API is able to offer exclusive rates and terms, often unattainable through other avenues.

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Corporate Headquarters

265 Broadhollow Road, Melville, NY 11747 USA

Phone

Main: +1-516-307-3000

Cassandra.hartmann@apiglobalsolutions.com (VP of Strategic Account Development & Hotel Relationships)

Gianella.martinez@apiglobalsolutions.com (Market Manager, Strategic Account Development)

Several veterans of Florida’s aviation industry have come together to acquire Aircraft Radio & Avionics LLC, a legacy MRO founded in Miami in 1981. Renamed ARC145 LLC, the team has built a state-of-the-art facility in Miramar. Wasting no time, the company launched new projects designed to address the industry’s critical need for the overhaul of batteries for various ELT’s, TCAS antennas and wire harnesses.

Possessing both FAA and EASA Part 145 Repair Station, as well as Part 21 PMA certification, ARC145 is focused on taking the initiative to identify & resolve gaps in the aviation supply chain. Retaining Unlimited Radio (Class 1, 2 and 3) and Limited Airframe & Instruments ratings, as well as complementary STC’s, they are set to become a major presence in our industry. David Gordon, ARC145’s VP of Business Development, and a member of GMAA, states “I look forward to collaborating with Florida firms to conceive of innovative solutions to answer the need for product repair and development.”

Already, ARC145 has secured FAA-approval for its DER overhaul procedure for the highly demanded batteries in several Honeywell’s ELT’s. With the world’s supply chain problems engulfing every industry, ARC145’s mission is to reduce lead times on repairs through its comprehensive exchange pool program. Many other projects are already in the pipeline.

Marketing Your Personal Brand in Aviation- 15 Straightforward Marketing Strategies

Marketing your personal brand in the aviation industry presents its challenges, but it’s far from impossible. To help you get started, I’ll be sharing 15 practical marketing strategies that you can implement right away to establish and grow your presence in this sector. Let’s dive in!

Define Your Brand Identity in Aviation while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Begin by understanding your unique strengths and expertise in the aviation sector. What sets you apart in this specialized field? Ensure that your branding aligns with your personal brand while marketing it.
Identify Your Target Audience in Aviation while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Determine your ideal clients or partners within the aviation industry. Are you targeting FBOs, MROs, pilots or high-net-worth individuals? Tailor your marketing efforts to engage them effectively.
Set Clear Goals for Your Aviation Brand while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Establish specific objectives related to aviation while also emphasizing the marketing of your personal brand. These could include attracting clients, securing partnerships with aviation companies, or becoming a recognized expert in the field. A study by McKinsey & Company found that 80% of aviation industry executives consider attracting new clients as a top priority.
Create Consistent Branding for Aviation while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Develop a visual identity that exudes professionalism and expertise, aligning it with the marketing of your personal brand. Ensure that both your personal brand and the aviation brand maintain consistency. Research by Nielsen shows that consistent branding across all channels can increase revenue by up to 23%.
Craft a Compelling Personal Brand Story in the Aviation Industry while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Share your journey and experiences in aviation while emphasizing how it relates to marketing your personal brand. Highlight your passion for delivering exceptional aviation services and the industry's unique aspects.
Leverage Social Media for Aviation while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Identify the social media platforms where aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals engage while using them as tools for marketing your personal brand. Share content that showcases the aviation industry's excitement and your personal brand's value. As of 2021, there were approximately 1.8 billion aviation-related interactions on social media platforms, according to Talkwalker.
Content Creation in Aviation while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Produce content that emphasizes the benefits of aviation, such as convenience, safety, and innovation, all the while weaving in elements that market your personal brand. Share success stories or case studies that reflect your expertise.
Network and Collaborate in the Aviation Sector while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Attend aviation events, connect with aviation companies, and collaborate with similar industries to expand your network in this niche industry, simultaneously boosting the marketing of your personal brand. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) hosts the largest annual business aviation event, which typically attracts over 23,000 attendees.
Online Reputation Management in Aviation while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Maintain a strong online reputation in the aviation sector while ensuring that it reflects positively on your personal brand. Respond to inquiries and reviews promptly and uphold the highest standards of service and professionalism.
Aviation Website or Blog while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Create a website or blog that showcases your expertise in aviation, all the while emphasizing how it contributes to the marketing of your personal brand. Feature visuals and detailed information about aviation services.
Email Marketing in Aviation while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Build a list of potential clients and partners interested in aviation while incorporating elements that market your personal brand. Send tailored newsletters highlighting the latest trends, exclusive offers, and industry insights. The open rate for email marketing campaigns in the aviation industry is approximately 22%, according to Mailchimp's industry benchmarks.
Track and Measure Aviation Marketing Efforts while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Use analytics tools to assess the performance of your aviation marketing strategies, paying attention to how they impact the marketing of your personal brand. Adjust your approach based on what resonates with your audience.
Continuously Learn and Adapt in Aviation while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in aviation while using them to enhance the marketing of your personal brand. Offer cutting-edge services and experiences to maintain your competitive edge. The Global Aviation Industry Outlook by Deloitte predicts that by 2037, the aviation industry will need to hire more than 2 million new workers to keep up with demand.
Personal Development in the Aviation Industry while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Invest in continuous learning and certifications relevant to aviation while positioning them as contributions to the marketing of your personal brand. Demonstrate your commitment to excellence.
Be Authentic and Consistent in Aviation while Marketing Your Personal Brand: Authenticity is crucial in building trust within the aviation sector while also strengthening the marketing of your personal brand. Ensure that every aspect of your brand aligns with professionalism and expertise associated with aviation.

A survey by Edelman found that 81% of consumers need to trust a brand before they make a purchase.

Did you enjoy this article? If you'd like to be notified whenever I publish new content, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.becksandthejets.com.

And if you'd prefer us to handle your digital marketing for you, just send us a message on the same website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Xennial Launched Virtual Reality Aircraft Technician program, co-developed with Piedmont Airlines and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Aviation

Xennial, a leading VR/AR company specializing in aircraft training simulators, has collaborated with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Aviation and Piedmont Airlines to launch a cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) Aviation Training Solution.

This innovative platform provides immersive training experiences for aviation technicians, specifically designed for the Embraer ERJ145 Aircraft Familiarization. The comprehensive simulator covers 23 essential systems, ensuring thorough knowledge and hands-on experience. The solution also includes a Pratt & Whitney VR PT6 Engine Familiarization module, offering unparalleled depth in engine training.

This groundbreaking solution is tailored for Schools of Aviation and Aviation Training Programs seeking to enhance and scale aircraft technician training. By leveraging VR, institutions can increase student engagement, reduce training costs, and improve knowledge retention. The simulator's realistic and interactive environment allows students to practice complex procedures in a safe and controlled environment, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

With this launch, Xennial, University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Aviation, and Piedmont Airlines are poised to continue revolutionizing aviation training, setting a new standard for immersive and effective technician training. The partnership demonstrates a commitment to shaping the future of aviation education and empowering the next generation of aviation professionals.

To learn more:

· View a video of the solution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XSaF9hhBRY

· Reach out to xennial@xennialdigital.com

Why You Should Encourage Your Child To Become An Aircraft Mechanic

The Boeing IAM strike just ended after more than 8 weeks. The production lines of the much-maligned B737 MAX in Washington state, which were idle will now have to ramp back up. The Machinist union has negotiated a 38% pay raise over the next few years, which will push the average salary to (gasp!) $119,000. Again, this is an average, so top salaries will probably reach near $200K.

This will have a cascading down effect on the entire industry.

As someone whose been in the MRO business for many years, and now working to encourage young aviators to enter the industry, through the Greater Miami Aviation Association scholarship fund, I'd like to highlight some of the hidden effects of this strike:

1.The industry was getting back to pre-Covid levels. We lost many skilled mechanics (pilots too), who decided to accelerate retirement during the pandemic. This is not a job you could do remotely. It is increasingly harder to find good, skilled mechanics. In that sense, the pay raise will be a great motivator to aspiring young mechanics, and keep veterans employed longer than they planned.

2. The ripple effect will cause mechanics' salary escalations across the board: airlines, MRO, repair shops etc. We will no doubt experience price escalations .This will trickle down to the traveling public.

3. OEM's to Boeing, those who manufacture piece parts, have suffered greatly during this production stop, and many needed to furlough or lay off employees and suspend production. Spirit Aerosystems is a part of Boeing but what about dozens of other smaller vendors? They will struggle to ramp up production. As it is, there is a huge demand for USM(Used Serviceable Material) in the marketplace, since the strike delayed retirement of older airplanes, which require more maintenance & replacement parts. USM traders and repair shops should enjoy a prolonged prosperity.

4. At the end of the day it is a duopoly, Airbus can't manufacture all the airplanes by itself, not when demand for air travel is expected to double in the next 20 years (IATA). There is a tremendous backlog, and Boeing will actually need to revise down its 2024 expectations for delivering 413 aircrafts. So, there would be a need to help Boeing to get back on its feet, and the likely assistance may be from the US government. Additionally, Boeing will have to sell off some other pieces of the conglomerate.

Fifty percent of the scholarships awarded by GMAA in 2024 went to 25 students at GTB Technical college. Baker is overpopulated as it is. There should be an investment in our region in developing additional programs to produce qualified Airframe & Powerplant mechanics. Frankly, their path to a prosperous career in aviation looks smoother and faster than a pilot’s career.

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About us :

The Greater Miami Aviation Association supports and increases the pool of qualified South Florida college graduates who are pursuing careers in the aerospace industry and to enhance the overall effectiveness of our members through knowledge, networking and cooperation. The GMAA represents the region’s aviation industry, providing a forum to increase public awareness and promote programs that leverage the positive impact aviation has on economic development in its local communities. We provide a forum for the sharing of opinions and concerns among industry leaders, business executives, government, civic leaders, and others with an interest in the past, current and future activities of the aviation and aerospace industries.

For more information, visit www.gmaa.aero