Aerospace Industries Association
AIA 67th Fall Board of Governors and Membership Meeting Hits Home Run
More than 200 chief executive officers, senior representatives and guests attended AIA’s 67th Fall Board of Governors meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. Nov.17-19.
The meeting included a number of excellent speakers and presentations, including a panel discussion with Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt focusing on integrating unmanned aircraft systems in the commercial airspace. Moderated by Aurora Flight Sciences CEO John Langford, this was the first-ever discussion coordinated by AIA on UAS issues at a senior executive level.
Defense Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Ashton Carter discussed DoD’s priorities for revising the acquisition process and his interest in conducting an ongoing dialogue with industry on issues of mutual interest. AIA is looking forward to expanding senior level engagement and communications with DoD, including with Secretary of Defense Gates and Deputy Secretary William Lynn, throughout 2010.
Other speakers included Deputy Administrator of NASA Lori Garver, Chairman of International Lease Finance Corporation Steven Udvar-Hazy, Brig. General Robert Nolan II, Director of the Standing Joint Force Headquarters of the U.S. Northern Command, Forbes Publisher Rich Karlgaard and political pundit Donna Brazile.
Two new companies — Bombardier Aerospace and PWC-Bearing Point ─ joined AIA’s membership roster at the meeting. The Board of Governors spring meeting is scheduled in Williamsburg, Va., May 26-27, 2010.
AIA source: trish.ward[at]aia-aerospace.org
