ATM Modernization, Business & GA, Embedded Avionics

AEA Urges Avionics Companies to ‘Take Back Our Industry’

By Tish Drake | April 5, 2012
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Avionics manufacturers, dealers and installers cannot wait for the economic recovery and “must take back the industry,” according to speakers at this week’s Aircraft Electronics Association’s (AEA) International Convention and Trade Show. The event, held at the Gaylord Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., run through tomorrow.

Paula Derks, association president, addressed the crowd of more than 1,500 avionics professionals saying the industry must direct its own future, directing market momentum toward developing and enhancing products for NextGen. “From manufacturers to distributors to repair stations to DERs we all must seize the opportunity to take pride in what we do,” she said, which was met by enthusiastic applause from the standing-room-only audience.

"It’s been one of the most interesting years in our world and in our industry, the year that has seen its share of ups and downs, a year full of challenges and at times what seemed like insurmountable obstacles," said AEA Chairman Paul Vail. "Now is the time to embrace change rather than ignore it, and now is the time to embrace new ways of doing business with our partners, both on the manufacturing side and the regulators side."

Among the news headlines from the event:

Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Upgrades Extend to Astra SPX, G100, Lear 60

Thrane & Thrane AVIATOR 700D Awarded FAA PMA

TrueNorth Awarded STC for Gulfstream Aircraft

ICG, Chicago Jet Group Collaborate on Sora STC

Mid-Continent Instruments Changes Name

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