FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2024
Contact:
Tracey Cheek
tlc@nafa.aero
405.850.1292
NAFA 52nd Annual Conference: A Recap of Success
Tucson, AZ — April 19, 2024 – The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) recently concluded its 52nd Annual Conference, held from April 16-18 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson, Arizona. This year’s event catered to the needs and interests of those in the business aviation finance industry, providing a platform for insightful discussions, valuable networking and exceptional activities.
NAFA President Ed Medici expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This year’s NAFA Conference exceeded all expectations. The high energy members brought to the event was inspiring and contagious. Connections were made that will undoubtedly lead to fruitful partnerships and collaborations. We couldn’t be happier with how the event went and the opportunity to build upon NAFA’s strong organization.”
This year’s NAFA Conference saw a record attendance of 164 and featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association, who delivered the keynote address. Gus Faucher, Chief Economist at PNC Financial Services Group, provided valuable insights into the current economic landscape. Brian Foley, founder of Brian Foley Associates (BRiFO), presented the industry keynote, “Let’s Be Honest; Pragmatic Views on Dogmatic News.”
During the event, Anthony (“Tony”) Kioussis was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the aircraft finance industry throughout his career.
The general session panel discussions covered a wide range of topics, including a Pre-owned Business Aircraft Market Update, Light Aircraft Panel, The Current State of Aviation Insurance, Transactional Integrity, The Avionics Revolution and Panel Modernization, A Fireside Chat with Embraer, Advanced Air Mobility, General Aviation and The Environment and The Future of Business Aviation.
On April 16, just before the conference began, NAFA and the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) sponsored the Aircraft Appraisal Continuing Education Program, which was held at the conference venue.
NAFA recently launched a partnership with Embry-Riddle's David B. O’Maley College of Business to create the National Aircraft Finance Association Endowed Award for Faculty Excellence, providing Dean Shanan Gibson with a source of funds to be used to enrich faculty excellence including, but not limited to, recognition awards, faculty recruitment and retention, enrichment activities such as attending national conferences, equipment purchases and more. At this year’s Annual Conference, NAFA launched a donation campaign asking attendees to donate to the cause. Between the golf tournament and the onsite fundraising campaign, NAFA members contributed more than $15,000.
NAFA extends its gratitude to the generous conference sponsors:
Platinum – Aero Asset, AIC Title Service, AirFleet Capital, Embraer, Flying Finance, and Insured Aircraft Title Service, LLC (IATS)
Gold – Aircraft Bluebook (Aviation Week), Dassault Falcon Jet, GE Aerospace, Jet Aviation, JetLoan Capital, and Rolls-Royce
Silver – LLJohns Aviation Insurance, PNC Aviation Finance, and Scope Aircraft Finance
Bronze – AircraftPost Inc., Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Snell & Wilmer, Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems and Vinci Aeronautica.
About NAFA: The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional Association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members on the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer.