National Air Transportation Association

10/14/2026

📣 2027 NATA Membership Renewals Are Live!

Another year of NATA membership means another year of having a strong advocate, trusted industry resources, and a connected community behind your business.

Your membership supports NATA’s work to:

✈️ Advocate for aviation businesses and advance the industry’s priorities

✈️ Strengthen safety and workforce development

✈️ Deliver timely resources, expertise, and one-on-one member support

✈️ Create opportunities to connect, learn, and grow alongside industry peers

Already a NATA member? Renew your membership by January 15, 2027, to continue your benefits and be part of all that’s ahead in the new year.

Not a member yet? There’s never been a better time to join. Become part of a nationwide community of aviation businesses and add your voice to the industry we’re working together to strengthen.

🔗 Renew or join today at nata.aero

10/05/2026

The IATA World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) takes place this week, tackling all aspects of safety, flight operations, cabin operations, maintenance, and crisis management (emergency response planning and aircraft recovery). It is an opportunity to meet, network and develop partnerships with aviation professionals and decision-makers, gathered over 3 days under one roof. https://www.iata.org/en/events/all/wsoc/

NATA’s media partnership with IATA promotes aviation and safety education globally.

09/11/2026

Today, on the 25th anniversary of 11, NATA joins the nation in remembering the lives lost and honoring the heroes who answered with extraordinary courage and selflessness.

We will never forget.

09/09/2026

Ready to put your aviation policy expertise to work?

NATA is hiring a Manager/Managing Director of Government Affairs to help advance the priorities of general and business aviation companies across the country.

If you have experience engaging with Congress, DOT, FAA, and TSA—and enjoy turning complex policy issues into meaningful results for the aviation business community—we’d like to hear from you.

This hybrid role is based in downtown Washington, D.C., and offers the opportunity to work directly with policymakers, industry leaders, and NATA members.

Join our team: https://lnkd.in/ePagqxzF

Apply for Manager/Managing Director, Government Affairs at NATA- National Air Transportation Association in United States. Full-time Executive role. See responsibilities, qualifications, and similar jobs on LinkedIn.

09/02/2026

This week in NATA News:

Seating is limited for the 10th annual event, register today!

Amazon to bring small business AI insights

Associate Members are encouraged to update their company information by September 4

to tackle excise tax confusion with brokered flights

Innovation and industry insights take center stage in Denver

FAA enforcement actions highlight drug testing and maintenance compliance

Plus, upcoming events, training opportunities, and the latest from the NATA's Insurance Programs.

Read the latest issue of NATA News: https://fly.nata.aero/NATANews.

08/28/2026

NATA's Steve Berry and Brandon Popovich are ready for GHSS—are you?
The countdown is on for NATA’s 10th annual Ground Handling Safety Symposium, September 15–16 in Fort Worth, Texas!

Join safety professionals, operational leaders, trainers, and line service managers for two high-energy days of hands-on learning, candid conversations, real-world insights, and practical solutions designed to strengthen safety on the ramp.

Steve and Brandon invite you to be part of the conversations, connections, and shared commitment that will move ground handling safety forward for the next decade and beyond.

Register today: https://nata.aero/ghss

08/25/2026

We’re celebrating Curt Castagna's anniversary as NATA President and CEO and a commitment to the association that reaches well beyond his current role.

From serving as Chair of NATA’s Board of Directors to leading the association as President and CEO, Curt has brought a deep understanding of our members, our mission, and the aviation community to every role. His contributions have helped advance safety, expand advocacy, build industry partnerships, and strengthen NATA overall.

Just as importantly, Curt has helped foster a culture where the NATA team truly feels like a family, built on shared purpose, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to one another and the members we serve.

We’re grateful for Curt’s service to NATA and the industry and for the leadership, perspective, and heart he continues to bring to our team. Happy work anniversary, Curt!

08/24/2026

The conversation is taking shape, and so is an impressive lineup of voices for the inaugural AI Symposium for Business Aviation (AISBA), September 14–16 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

Greg Johnson of Tuvoli, Toby Benenson of SayFlight, Zeev Wexler, Suza Franklin and Rick Buhl with the Federal Aviation Administration, Brandon Holden with Portside, and leaders from Amazon, Bluetail, NERD.aero, and other organizations will help lead a timely, practical discussion about what AI means for business aviation today and where it can take our industry next.

The program will explore responsible AI adoption and governance, safety and SMS, aircraft maintenance, aviation software and real-world applications, pricing, sales, and revenue operations, the FBO experience, data integrity, workforce development, and practical implementation.

AISBA is designed to move beyond the buzz around AI and focus on the questions that matter to aviation businesses: Where is AI already delivering value? Where are the opportunities ahead? How do we adopt it responsibly? And how do we ensure technology strengthens, rather than replaces, the sound human judgment aviation depends on?

The conversation starts Monday, September 14, with a welcome reception at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, followed by the symposium at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Tuesday and hands-on workshops Wednesday morning.

Student registration is free, and proceeds from AISBA will help support aviation scholarships.

Visit www.nata.aero/aisba to register and watch for more speaker and program announcements as we count down to Daytona Beach.

07/21/2026

Curt Castagna and James Viola have officially arrived at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where the next chapter of the journey begins.

Curt and Jim departed Castle Aviation, Inc. in Akron, Ohio, making stops at Starke County Airport in Illinois and West Bend Municipal Airport in Wisconsin, where they visited the Phillips 66 Aviation FBO, before landing in Oshkosh after a five-hour flight day.

Low visibility throughout much of the journey reinforced the value of modern cockpit technology and the important role it plays in supporting situational awareness, sound decision-making, and safety in flight.

Over the coming days, Curt and Jim look forward to connecting with NATA members, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) members, industry partners, and aviation leaders from around the world at the largest gathering in aviation. AirVenture is where ideas are shared, relationships are strengthened, and the future of general aviation takes shape.

A key focus this week will be advancing the industry’s work through the EAGLE initiative, helping ensure a safe, practical, and coordinated transition to an unleaded aviation gasoline future.

If you are attending AirVenture, be sure to say hello and connect with Curt, Jim, and NATA’s Karen Mineau-Huggard throughout the week. We look forward to seeing our members, partners, and the entire aviation community in Oshkosh.

07/20/2026

Curt Castagna and James Viola continued their journey to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with a stop at long-time NATA member Castle Aviation, Inc., where they met with NATA Past Board Member and 2025 NATA Distinguished Service Award recipient Michael H Grossmann and his outstanding team.

Castle Aviation has long reflected the values that keep general aviation strong through its commitment to operational excellence, customer service, community engagement, and industry leadership. Michael’s service to NATA and the broader aviation community is an important part of that legacy.

His commitment to service also extends to the Veterans Airlift Command. Michael has completed more than 150 missions providing free transportation to wounded veterans and their families for medical care and other compassionate purposes—demonstrating the profound difference general aviation can make in people’s lives.

Traveling by helicopter to Oshkosh offers another unique perspective on the reach and value of general aviation—connecting communities efficiently, providing direct access to businesses and airports, and demonstrating the flexibility of vertical flight.

Stops like the one in Akron are a highlight of the journey, offering an opportunity to recognize the businesses and professionals who create jobs, support local economies, connect communities, serve others, and keep aviation moving across America.

Thank you to Michael and the entire Castle Aviation team for the warm welcome and continued partnership. Next stop: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the world’s largest aviation gathering.