FT. LAUDERDALE, FL., March 28, 2017 – The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) held its 46th Annual Meeting March 21-24, 2017, at the Harbor Beach Marriott, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The four day event included a 1 day NAFA Aircraft Education Program, a Vendor Forum, Annual Business Meeting, General Session, and Break-out Sessions.
“This was one of the most successful meetings we have had in many years, with over 200 attendees,” said Chris Miller, president of NAFA, and managing partner of Shearwater Aero Capital. “We had a tremendous line up of speakers, we partnered with Embry-Riddle and American Society of Appraisers (ASA) on our continuing education program, and we raised $8,800 to go towards Scholarship programs.”
The event kicked-off with Michael Smerconish, host of CNN’s “Smerconish” and syndicated talk show host. Smerconish provided insight on our current political environment.
John Robertson, vice president & senior policy advisor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta discussed current economic conditions, outlook and monetary policy. Todd Evans, a principal of Export Development Canada discussed Brexit, Trump and the changing world order.
The leaders of SIX aircraft manufacturers provided their industry views and discussed new aircraft that will soon enter service. Todd Simmons, president of Cirrus Aircraft, Peter Maurer, president, Diamond Aircraft Industries, and Simon Caldecott, president of Piper Aircraft discussed the future of small-cabin aircraft (piston through light jet), while Scott Neal, senior vice president Worldwide Sales Gulfstream Aerospace, David Coleal, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft, and Michael Amalfitano, president and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, discussed the future of Large-Cabin Aircraft.
A panel session was held featuring Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Peter Bunce, president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA) on the current “State of the Aviation Industry”.
The 17th Annual Aircraft Appraisal Education Program offered a new and improved agenda, as NAFA collaborated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the ASA to provide an eight-hour refresher course for accredited aircraft appraisers. This program has been remodeled to offer real-world skills and best practices in order to create a more varied learning experience for attendees. “Compliments to the Board for a new format,” said Lou Seno, chairman emeritus of Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI). “This was a departure from previous years and proved to be very positive.” Seno commented. There were over 40 attendees, which was an increase in last year.
In addition to the current scholarship program, NAFA is also exploring other ways in which to contribute to exposing younger students to the dynamic and intriguing General and Business Aviation Industry.
A special THANK YOU to our Sponsors: Silver Sponsors - Executive Jet Management and Rolls-Royce. Bronze Sponsors - 1st Source Bank, Aero-Space Reports, AIC Title Service, Airfleet Capital, Aircraft BlueBlook, Aviation Management Systems, Aircraft Owners Pilot Association, American Society of Appraisers, Embry-Riddle Aero University, Asset Insight, Aviation Legal Group, BMO Harris, Dorr Aviation, Insured Aircraft Title Services, JetAviation, Jetcraft, National Aircraft Finance Company, PNC Aviation Finance, SalemFive Aviation, Scope Aircraft Finance, Stonebriar Commercial Finance, TVP 1031 Exchanges & Trust, Vref and Wright Brothers Aircraft Title.
About NAFA:
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the general welfare of individuals and organizations providing aircraft financing and loans secured by aircraft; to improving the industry's service to the public; and to providing our members with a forum for education and the sharing of information and knowledge to encourage the financing, leasing and insuring of general aviation aircraft. For more information about NAFA, visit the website at www.NAFA.aero.