GA’s ‘Banner’ Year

Despite overall economic uncertainty and continued financial woes for the airlines, the general aviation sector is poised for another banner year in 2008, according to the Aviation Electronics Association (AEA) president. Kicking off the AEA Convention and Trade Show in Washington, D.C., last week, AEA President Paula Derks said the general aviation portion of the industry in2007 show $21.9 billion in total billions, topping 2006 by 16.5 percent. Worldwide shipments of GA aircraft hit 4,272 units. “With the airlines declaring bankruptcy, merger together in hopes of existence and scrambling to attract passengers, it has never been a better time for our segment of the industry to shine,” she said. Following Derk’s address, companies, including Garmin, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins and Universal Avionics, introduced 27 new products and enhanced features to their products. “From manufacturers to distributors, FBOs to repair stations, we must seize the opportunity to tell our story,” she said. “We must work smart and we must be proactive. We all must use any and all tools available to us to promote our businesses, our services and our products.”