Bizav Leaders On What Will Be The Biggest Goal Or Challenge In 2021

The Weekly of Business Aviation polled industry leaders on their predictions for the business aviation industry in 2021. Take a look at a selection of answers to the question - What will be the biggest goal or challenge for your business or your members and the industry in 2021? 

Michael Amalfitano, Embraer Executive Jets president and CEO

The travel ecosystem is changing due to the changing behaviors of users, customers, investors, and all other stakeholders. Sustainability is clearly a growing trend across generations and of increased interest throughout our industry, with advancements being made in SAF [sustainable aviation fuel], electrification, pilotless flight, and Advanced Air Mobility. New technologies also provide confidence in terms of health and safety, and we know the industry will remain focused on the human element of operations throughout 2021. 

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Ed Bolen, National Business Aviation Association president and CEO

We are going to have to find a way to move through the shutdown of COVID and get back to full operations. A number of companies have been operating with effectively pods or bubbles, but how much of that will continue and for how long? We’ll have to see. The expectation I would have is we would see an increase in business travel. Business aviation will be a part of that. Obviously, that is going to involve some ramp up and I think making sure companies are ready to go. 

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Mark Burns, Gulfstream Aerospace president

For the industry in general and Gulfstream in particular, I believe our biggest challenge in 2021 will be continuing to ensure the health and safety of our employees and customers in an ever-evolving landscape. The world has clearly changed and facilitating a return to business as usual will require a delicate balancing act. 

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Ron Draper, Textron Aviation president and CEO

Despite the challenges 2020 presented, our long-term success as a company continues to be directly related to inspiring and engaging the next generation of prospective customers and employees. Business and general aviation has proven to be an essential solution for mobility, wellness and productivity during COVID-19, opening us up to individuals and businesses who have never before engaged with our industry. Growing our industry means demonstrating the possibilities that can be realized for businesses and individuals looking to expand their scope of operations. 

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Éric Martel, Bombardier president and CEO

As we enter 2021, the biggest challenge facing the aerospace industry is the uncertainty around the timing, pace and strength of a recovery. While we are seeing some early positive signs, including a healthy level of pre-owned aircraft transactions and positive jet utilization trends, the timing to full recovery will be determined by forces beyond our control. 

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Ian Moore, VistaJet chief commercial officer

In 2021 we will continue to be as nimble as we always have been. In addition to navigating any changes that may follow the presidential inauguration, our biggest goal for 2021 will be understanding our role in the new normal for our members and operations in a post-pandemic world. 

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Tim Obitts, National Air Transportation Association president and CEO

Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation chairman and CEO

One of our top priorities is to support our customers as they resume normal flight activity. All of our customer support teams are at the ready and our expanded global service network is prepared for an uptick in inspections and service requirements. We intend to maintain our number one position in terms of after-sales support. Also, we have two development programs that take priority this year: the Falcon 6X, where we intend to maintain our flight test and certification schedule; plus an exciting new program for a future Falcon that we will announce soon. 

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