NATA Air Charter Summit 2024: Industry Looks Over The Horizon in Safety, Security and Operations
NATA Compliance Services
Trusted technology platform delivering on security, identity, training and regulatory requirements.
The NATA- National Air Transportation Association Air Charter Summit 2024 tackled key issues in aviation, focusing on security, safety, innovation, workforce challenges, and public perception. NATA Compliance Services (NATA CS) was present at the summit, with CEO Jiri Marousek participating in the security panel and sharing answers to critical security and safety questions throughout the event. NATA CS serves as a core platform for managing identity, security, and safety in the industry, sharing the most critical topics in management, monitoring, and oversight.?
Transition from KCM to ECA: GA is ready??
The transition from Known Crewmember (KCM) to Expedited Crew Access (ECA), set for late 2025, was a major discussion point. The good news is that the solution for business aviation is ahead of schedule, with the KCM/ECA service already integrated between NATA CS and the new TSA system.?
NATA CS has successfully tested and integrated its platform for cargo and charter operators with the TSA, ensuring a smooth transition and enhanced security protocols. Key takeaways include:?
Crews and operator leadership teams are encouraged to contact NATA CS with any questions regarding to the KCM / ECA program.?
Security and Safety: Culture is Just as Critical as Tools?
Security concerns, especially cybersecurity threats to aircraft, were central themes. Experts emphasized the need for comprehensive risk management strategies and the importance of training crews and ground staff. The industry's approach must shift from reactive to proactive, identifying threats and working collaboratively with the TSA and other agencies. This culture shift is essential to meet security and regulatory goals without negatively impacting services.?
Safety was another key topic, with discussions on the FAA’s Part 5 Safety Management System (SMS) regulations. These regulations aim to standardize safety management across the industry, promoting comprehensive programs for risk identification, assessment, and mitigation. Industry leaders stressed the need for a safety culture and operational excellence. An SMS can either be a checkbox tool or a crucial part of a safety-focused culture. It's up to industry leaders to foster a culture where safety and security are ingrained habits rather than sidelined tools.?
Innovation and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Getting Closer?
Technological advancements in aviation, including new vertiports and electric aircraft, were explored. Industry leaders shared insights on how these innovations might transform the air charter and aviation business landscapes. Embracing innovation is key to staying competitive and elevating industry standards. However, discussions continue on infrastructure and operational integration of AAM. Air charter operators see AAM as an opportunity to improve passenger experience, connect urban locations, and enhance emergency services like organ transplants.?
Integration into existing airport and vertiport infrastructure is critical as we approach at-scale operations of aircraft like Joby Aviation , BETA TECHNOLOGIES , Lilium , Archer , and Wisk . While AAM aircraft operate at significantly lower noise levels, new vertiports will still bring new aircraft noise to their locations. Proactive communication with local communities about AAM benefits is essential.?
Workforce Challenges: Keeping our Ground and Air Crews??
Workforce challenges in the aviation industry were examined, focusing on the benefits of career paths in business aviation and strategies to attract and retain talent. The panel highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to remove workforce roadblocks and empower a vibrant future for the industry. Air Charter faces recruiting challenges and competition with airlines for crews. The industry must find ways to make careers in air charter appealing to both air crews and ground staff like mechanics and FBO operations.?
Public and Media: Showing our Value?
The summit concluded with a session on media perspectives, highlighting the scrutiny of business aviation by the media and public entities. Experts discussed strategies for promoting an accurate narrative and countering public perception issues, reinforcing the importance of effective communication. Business aviation is often seen as wasteful, influenced by social media and media portrayals. The industry must consistently and constantly educate the public on its value in driving business growth, saving lives, delivering critical cargo, and connecting people and communities in urgent need.?
That’s a wrap …?
The NATA Air Charter Summit 2024 provided a comprehensive overview of the current and future challenges facing the industry. Discussions covered the transition from KCM to ECA, cybersecurity, implementation of new SMS requirements, and other critical topics.?
Addressing these issues requires proactive efforts on the ground. The industry must move from a reactive approach to one that proactively identifies threats, collaborates with regulatory bodies, and ensures a safer and more resilient future for air travel. Embracing innovation, addressing workforce challenges, and focusing on operational culture are key. For industry representatives, the way forward includes clear plans to educate the public and media, collaborate with regulators, and develop new technologies and solutions to preemptively address security and safety concerns.?
Acknowledgments?
Thank you to all the participating speakers for their invaluable contributions:?
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