GMAA "Wings" Newsletter December 2022

A Message from our President Dear Friends and Supporters, The holiday season is upon us, and we at the GMAA have many reasons to rejoice and be merry. We have just concluded our 95th year, and it was our best ever fiscally. In November, we celebrated our Gala at the Sheltair hangar in FLL. Our team, led by the incomparable Rebecca Longo & Connie Devine totally transformed an aircraft hangar into a 1920's ballroom, with feathers and boas. We all donned outfits in line with the Great Gatsby theme. Over 350 participants enjoyed a gorgeous night, where we celebrated 18 new scholarship recipients, young men & women making great strides to become pilots, technicians, control tower operators and manager.  We honored the achievements of companies and individuals: GA Telesis who turned 20, the Late Mike Finney & the Beacon Council, Lisa Holland and Sheltair, Jorge Fernandez & Alan Jiron of Summit Aviation, Mark Gale, CEO of FLL airport. The evening culminated with the speech of the Wright Brothers awards’ recipient, Mr. Fred Murphy of FEAM, describing his journey from an aircraft mechanic at the USAF to leading the largest line maintenance company in the US today. We were very blessed to have an audience that donated handsomely while sipping on cocktails and enjoying the dance tunes. In December we had a very successful golf tournament at Normandy shores. Many golfers traveled here to enjoy Miami’s gorgeous winter wonderland. The 2 events were very successful in fundraising, and we thank you, our supporters, again, for your generosity. Throughout the year, we continued with our luncheon series, where we hosted diverse speakers such as Mr. Ralph Cutie, CEO of MIA Airport, South Florida Economic review from Beacon Council and Fort Lauderdale alliance. In April we hosted Qatar Airways and Emirates, moderated by Peter Cerda from IATA, and learned about the growing business between the middle East and South Florida. In June we hosted Bombardier, which recently inaugurated their new state-of-the-art facility in Opa Locka. In July we hosted Doroni, a new EVTOL being developed in Miami. In August we hosted Air Europa, in September we learned about Hurricanes from the National Weather & Hurricane service Director. Of course, we concluded with our scholarship luncheon, sponsored by Embry Riddle. Our 2023 schedule will be just as exciting, so stay tuned and stay involved. We have added more members than ever before, thanks greatly to our social media campaign, where more followers on various platforms are joining us every day. We are truly blessed for having the most dedicated, enthusiastic and supportive board of directors, all of which are volunteers. This is the time to appreciate their hard work and passion. We all want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy holidays and fabulous wishes for the upcoming 2023, which promises to be another growth year for our industry and organization. Aviv Tzur GMAA President

Thank You To Our 2022 event Sponsors!

CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW  GOLF PHOTOS CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW GALA PHOTOS

Congratulations to our 1st-place Winners - BF Aerospace

GMAA-Batchelor Aviation Scholarship Fund President Message First and foremost, I like to thank all our members, and the many who continue to help with our mission to nurture, and help guide our future men and women aviation pioneers, achieve the education which so many deserve, by providing scholarships. It has been an amazing journey and privilege for all of us on the BOD and Committee to not only help support this great cause, but to also meet and learn how brilliant and highly driven these recipients have been. I can tell you; aviation is in good hands and our future is bright. For those who may not know, and would like to get involved, read ahead. The GMAA-Batchelor Aviation Scholarship Fund (formerly the GMAA/Grover Loening Scholarship Fund) which was changed in 2004 to honor the endowment and substantial impact made to the South Florida aviation industry and community by the late George Batchelor.  Thanks to the significant contribution made by the late George Batchelor in 1994, and by the Batchelor Family and Foundation in 2003, the Fund has continued to provide substantial support and funds for scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to qualified aviation students pursuing a career in the South Florida Aviation industry. Scholarships are based on academic and aviation achievement, leadership, and financial need.  Additional funds are also raised by our yearly events such as the annual banquet/golf tournament which acknowledges individuals in the Aviation industry and is used to generate revenue for the Scholarship Fund.  Aside from the GMAA-Batchelor Aviation Scholarship Fund, we would also like to extend our thanks who help support this cause such as Carlyle Aviation Group, FEAM, GA Telesis, and Merrill lynch…as well as many more. In closing out these holidays’ seasons, and the New Year 2023 to look forward to…THANK YOU to all and we look forward to your continued support and investing in our future aviation pioneers today, for an even better tomorrow…Forever forward we all shall go >>> Konrad Walter President  GMAA-Batchelor Aviation Scholarship Fund

FEAM AERO is Honored to Celebrate 30 Years of Service to the Aviation Industry This year, FEAM AERO celebrated their 30th Anniversary, marking the occasion with an official proclamation from the Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners on September 22, 2022.  Founded by Fred Murphy, the humble beginnings of FEAM were established at Los Angeles International Airport [LAX] in 1992. Now, the leading provider of aircraft line maintenance services in the United States. Over the years, FEAM has diversified its MRO portfolio to include Line Maintenance, Technical Training, Global AOG Support, Technical Support Services, and Base Maintenance. FEAM’s global footprint has allowed the veteran-operated MRO to evolve from two-men and a truck to an enterprise of 1,500 FEAM Team members. FEAM has maintenance bases at 52 locations globally, including two hangar facilities, with a massive 3rd one on the way. The state -of-the-art three-bay, wide-body hangar at CVG Airport broke ground in November and is representative of FEAM’s rapid global expansion, and commitment to creating a resilient and robust workforce in major markets throughout the United States. “What makes me most proud,” explains CEO Fred Murphy, “is to see our core values come to life everyday through the efforts and the dedication of the FEAM Team. When we stick closely to those principles, and achieve success together, that is the most fulfilling experience that I can have as a leader in this company. I am extremely proud of the work that we have accomplished over the last 30 years, and I know that we are just getting started. It is the shared vision of our leadership, clients, partners, and the FEAM Team that drives our organization. FEAM’s future is bright, and we are so excited for what’s yet to come.” Here some additional 30th year highlights: Provided scholarships through GMAA to two students in Miami Celebrated the groundbreaking of our third hangar at CVG airport Expanded the LAX line maintenance facility & operations Offered a new portfolio of services with a new vertical in Major Repairs Started a partnership with Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Charlotte, NC and The Workforce Foundation to award scholarships to A&P students Hired key positions in Tech Ops, Community Affairs, Major Repairs, and Quality and Safety Established an agreement with Honeywell Aerospace offering Avionics retrofit, modification, and upgrade (RMU) programs for Boeing and Airbus aircraft operators worldwide Created a strategic alliance with L2 Aviation, a leader in avionics integrations, modifications, and remote installations Acquired two European companies expanding location outreach across 12 new locations To reflect expanded service offerings, changed our name from F&E Aircraft Maintenance to FEAM AERO.

Introducing a New Flight Training Perspective The airline industry is going through a sea of change in airline training as a result of the confluence of various notable influences: The return of traffic growth after the Covid-induced travel collapse, The proliferation of the use of the digital commerce and the resulting strain on the distribution system, particularly the required growth of cargo airlines, The pilot retirement “bubble” that commenced before Covid but was exacerbated by the pandemic, The hesitance of young people to pursue pilot careers with a consequent strain on the supply chain, The rollover of fleets with new generation aircraft (737Max, A320 Neo, A350 and 787) requiring multiple fleet transitions for existing pilots and recruitment of new ones, Increasing mobility of pilots between airlines as scarcity drives up wages and improved employment terms and lifestyle, Unwillingness and/or inability of the aircraft manufacturers to invest in flight training infrastructure to meet the rising demand, In a strained financial environment, the airline principal focus on operational optimization and profitability rather than investment in the supporting infrastructure, whether people or facilities, that are required to cope with the rapidly changing environment. These factors are shaping the flight training industry. What are the ramifications of such changes on flight training businesses? Summarizing Customer Behavior Trends: Like in the airline industry, flight training is increasingly concentrated on a small number of large players like CAE, Flight Safety International and L3Harris. Increasing company size drives market dominance but often less personal connection with customers and their needs. Consequently, if a new entrant wants to succeed, they must offer a value adding selling proposition.   Airline executives are busy people who are forced to deal with voluminous communications. Focused and accurate communication between customer and supplier is essential. Customers not only have greater training demands, but they also want their demands to be heard - suppliers ignore this reality at their peril. Customers want quality products and reliable services at a fair price. Market dominance can lead to price gouging and slow service which in turn presents opportunities to nimble new entrants. During pressured times, customers' training expectations are escalating and the failure to meet these expectations from the larger suppliers leads to consideration of value-focused, reliable alternatives. Customers are now much more discerning and demand products and services tailored specifically to their needs, delivered rapidly and reliably to specification. However not all airlines are that efficient when it comes to managing their flight training needs so flexibility on the part of the training facility is essential. Historically, some airlines have been hesitant to pay a premium for training services that deliver the expected value and quality. When training demand is high many airlines may have no option but to take what they can get not what they expect. A new entrant will need to offer the highest standards at the market rate in order to capture new business. A key differentiator in gaining market is the reputation and legacy of the training facility’s management team. Past business relationships, quality customer service, reputation and reliability still matter very much as do how the supplier performs when the inevitable “road-bumps” are encountered. Airlines always expect their training partners to have their back, rain or shine. In return, training facilities require assurance that their airline partners subscribe to the same philosophy of long-term commitments and loyalty rather than shopping around for the lowest price. Some people question why Paramount Aviation Services chose to relaunch its training business at the start of the Covid pandemic.  The answer is surprisingly simple. Paramount was concerned at the rapid consolidation of the flight training industry and the evident pushback of its previous customers to the behavior of some of the existing independent flight training suppliers. We saw an opportunity to offer a product that returned to the basic of good customer service, high technical standards, flight simulator types that were or would be in high demand and a business relation that was “win-win” for both customer and supplier. Then it was just a case of putting together the necessary pieces to deliver this product within as short a ramp-up time as possible.   A major advantage was our ownership of a purpose-built, high-quality training facility with 12 simulator bays, ample classrooms and briefing rooms equipped with modern media systems, offices and parking facilities on the perimeter of Miami International Airport located between the Airbus and Boeing training facilities and within walking distance of many airport hotels. Not a converted warehouse but a state-of-the-art facility ready to roll. The second was a ready commitment on the part of the shareholders to invest significant equity in the relaunch at a time when the banks were in trepidation on the possible effects of the pandemic. And finally, the belief on the part of the key executives, based on a well-researched business case, to commit to the onerous task of launching a business during turbulent times. In the twenty-seven month period since launch on the 16 September 2020, Paramount has acquired a total of eight Boeing, Airbus and Dassault full flight simulators. It also counts with three large carriers amongst its passenger and cargo airline clients from North and South America. Some have booked time on multiple simulators simultaneously. So what accounts for Paramount’s success? Detailed market research and viability analysis are the cornerstone of our success. Paramount has figured out how its customers perceive value and has clearly communicated the value proposition relating to its products. Paramount has a realistic understanding of its market positioning and how it can deliver of its customer’s needs within the resource available to it yet assure profitability and acceptable cash flow. As always, Paramount has majored on outstanding customer service as a means of attracting and retaining customers. Well managed implementation of its business plan underpinned by highly experienced in-house technical and operational people, monitored by an executive team each with decades of relevant experience in flight training and aviation related business management. Finally, we have a culture of care, discipline and innovation honed by many transactions. Each of our simulators is a unique business case with a well-defined mission and structure. With performance metrics that are monitored constantly. None of this is rocket science; it is the basis of good business, but it is surprising how often it is neglected by suppliers in the current business environment.  Our customers seem to like what Paramount is doing. High simulator utilization is ample testament to the very positive reaction from the marketplace. Look out for Paramount’s continued growth and imminent ground-breaking deals! Stephen Vella Vice Chairman

It’s a small world. I took this picture when I first joined British Caledonian Airways in 1976. Little did I know that Captain Vito La Forgia, left, was flying Boeing 707s for BCAL at that time. We subsequently became friends in 1981 and forty years later we became Chairman and Vice Chairman as well as primary shareholders of Paramount Aviation Services, a flight training centre in Miami focused on Airbus and Boeing simulators. We celebrate the power of true friendships!

South Florida Gains a New Aviation Degree Program  Wayman Aviation Academy has received formal accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) to offer an Associate degree in Aeronautical Science for students seeking to become commercial pilots. The new two-year associate degree program is the only one of its kind in South Florida, as the academy is the only independent flight school in the region with AA accreditation. Classes will begin on January 11, 2023.  The two-year program will allow students the opportunity to secure 72 college credits which include all of the FAA certifications through Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor ratings. Those who earn the degree and the requisite 1,250 hours of flight experience will be eligible to be hired by an airline.  “For over 30 years, we have proudly been providing the South Florida community with high-quality aviation instruction, and are excited to take this next step in the academy’s evolution,” said Tony Shen, president of Wayman Aviation Academy. “Through our new Associate's degree program, we hope to usher in the next generation of pilots and help our industry overcome the issues it now faces due to the pandemic.” The degree offers courses on theory and flight training, commercial piloting, and the opportunity to complete required flying hours on-site. Students will be able to access Wayman’s 39 certified instructors, 40 airplanes, new campus at North Perry Airport, and state-of-the-art simulators. Wayman’s new accreditation also creates access to scholarships and financial aid for students.  Learn more about Wayman Aviation Academy at Wayman.edu or on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook @WaymanAviation

33 Youth Fly at North Perry Airport Day A thousand feet above Miramar Matthew H. (age 13) could see the field at Hard Rock stadium below. He was flying in a Piper airplane with a volunteer EAA pilot. Matthew loved aviation and had been counting down the days since his mother signed him up for the event at North Perry just a few weeks earlier. “The smile on these kids when we land is what it’s all about. It’s contagious and sticks around for both of us for a long time” says Rob Arkin, the pilot of this discovery flight. Matthew was one of 33 youth that experienced flying over South Florida for the first time on Saturday, November 12. It was an EAA Young Eagles flight hosted by the North Perry Airport Community Association (NPACA.net). It is a collective effort on behalf of the EAA and local pilots to introduce youth to the opportunities available in aviation. They’re hoping to spark an interest that one day will become a career as an airline pilot, air traffic controller, or one of the many aviation related fields in South Florida. According to the Miami Beacon Council, one in four jobs in Miami-Dade is tied to Aviation directly. Miami International Airport is the largest employer in South Florida. Broward has one of the largest concentrations of pilots in the country. This is a fertile field for young people to find well paying local jobs. On this Saturday morning Middle and High School aged youth were able to sign up for a completely free flight with a volunteer pilot. The young aviators got to fly in the front seat of an airplane with an experienced pilot right next to them. Many got to see their homes, the Dolphin’s Stadium and the beach from 1000 feet. Taking the controls of a small aircraft is an important “i can do it” moment. Most of the youth were neighbors of North Perry Airport; living in Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, or Miramar. The North Perry Airport Community Association makes a point of reaching out to the families living around the airport. “There are folks right here in Pines Village that see the airplanes overhead, but have never been inside the airport. It’s very important to know who your neighbors are“ stated Randy Maginskal, Pines Village Group Inc President. Along with the discovery flights there was an air expo featuring airlines and pilot associations, such as the Organization for Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and the 99s, an all women’s pilot group originally founded by Amelia Earhart. These organizations provide many scholarship opportunities for youth to be able to enter exciting and well-paying career fields. Broward College, Embry Riddle, and South Florida’s newest aviation college Wayman Aviation were available to help guide students on how to join the industry. The North Perry Airport Community Association NPACA.net hopes to keep these Young Eagles rallies happening every year to share the wonderful benefits of having the premier training airport in South Florida located right here in South Broward county.

Why Small Aviation Businesses Must Invest in Social Media Marketing By Becks and the Jets LLC- Aviation Marketing Consultant   A solid social media marketing campaign is an excellent way for any business to interact with its existing customer and reach new potential customers and clientele. However, it is arguably even more crucial for small aviation businesses and startups. Aviation businesses are abundant, so companies must set themselves apart by improving the customer experience and increasing brand awareness. Social media marketing can help with that, as explained in this article. So, here’s why small aviation businesses must invest in social media marketing. It Allows Businesses to Reach New Audiences Social media platforms allow you to reach various audiences that may be interested in products. You can use paid ads or improve your reach organically through posts and consistent content. In both cases, you can use these platforms to spread awareness of your business or any promotions you may offer. It Increases Site Traffic Your social media posts can also redirect users to your website, where they can learn about your company and use your services. Make sure to do adequate market research to target the right people who are likely to be interested in aviation services. It Helps Build Customer Loyalty Social media marketing does more than attract new customers. It also helps strengthen relations with existing customers, which may also lead to growth in your overall customers and clientele through references. Consistent interaction with existing customers through social media posts, responding to comments, and answering questions can go a long way in improving the customer experience. In turn, you can help build a loyal customer base who will choose your business whenever they need aviation services. It Can Improve the Customer Experience You can also use these platforms to share updates about your policies, flights, or other service-related information. In that case, you can improve the overall customer experience for people who use your services. It Can Provide Business Opportunities Another noteworthy reason why small aviation businesses must invest in social media marketing is that it also can open up some business opportunities. These opportunities can be in the form of partnerships or collaborations that can help grow your business and potentially increase brand awareness. Whether you’re starting a business or want to make an idea into a project, we’ve got you covered with strategies just for you! We understand that aviation startups operate on a tight budget; therefore, we blend growth hacking strategies with traditional marketing strategies to deliver fast results within that budget. At the same time, we provide a foundation to help you build your aviation business. Through our customizable workshops, we teach you how to create automatic systems that are client oriented and sustainable—and, most importantly, marketing strategies that actually work for you and your business. Check our website for more information www.becksandthejets.com

MIA kicks off busy month of winter route launches December brings five new routes and two new airlines to Miami A busy month of new flights at Miami International Airport kicked off on December 8, when Avianca launched three weekly flights to Bucaramanga, Colombia, and four weekly flights to Pereira, Colombia from MIA, followed by the airline beginning two weekly Santa Marta-Miami flights on December 10. Bucaramanga and Santa Marta mark two new routes for MIA and bring the airport’s total number of nonstop destinations in Colombia to nine – the most in its history. While the Bucaramanga and Santa Marta routes are served exclusively by Avianca at MIA, the Miami-Pereira route is also served by American Airlines. Colombia was MIA’s busiest international market pre-pandemic, with 1.5 million total passengers in 2019.   The flurry of new air service will continue on December 13, when Dominican airline Sky High launches Miami service with four weekly flights to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Sky High will operate the Santo Domingo-Miami service with Embraer E190 aircraft seating 97 passengers. Miami will be the first U.S. route and 15th overall for the airline, which was founded in 2012. At one million travelers in 2019, the Dominican Republic was MIA’s 6th busiest international market pre-pandemic and continues to be one of the airport’s most-served destinations, with Sky High becoming the sixth passenger airline flying between the country and MIA.   On December 15, French low-cost carrier French bee will enter the South Florida market and become the only airline with nonstop service between Paris-Orly Airport and MIA when it begins three weekly flights. Miami will be the 3rd U.S. route and 7th route worldwide for French bee, which began operating in 2016. In addition to Paris-Orly, passengers can fly to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport from MIA with American Airlines and Air France. French bee will also become the 11th low-cost carrier at MIA, joining Frontier Airlines, GOL, JetBlue Airways, SKY Airline Peru, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sunwing, Viva Air, Volaris, and WestJet.   On December 17, Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL will bring Manaus service back to MIA with two weekly flights, giving MIA a total of five nonstop destinations in Brazil: Brasilia; Fortaleza; Manaus; Rio de Janeiro; and Sao Paulo. On the same day, Air Canada will launch nonstop Miami-Vancouver service three times a week, giving MIA its longest North American route and its largest unserved North American market. Vancouver will also join Montreal and Toronto as MIA’s third Canadian destination and provide another connection point to long-range destinations like Australia and New Zealand.   The new routes will bring the total number of nonstop destinations served at MIA to 176, which is nine more than the 167 routes the airport served in December 2019 during its previous record year for passenger traffic. MIA has already matched its 2019 passenger total with 46 million travelers through November, putting it on pace for a new record of 50 million passengers in 2022.  

Avianca officials and flight crew cut the ribbon before the airline’s first Miami-Pereira flight on December 8.

Avianca’s first Bucaramanga-Miami arrival gets a water cannon salute at MIA on December 8.

New airline French bee has MIA buzzing with joy Low-cost carrier launches flights from Miami to Paris-Orly Airport Officials from Miami-Dade County and French low-cost carrier French bee hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 15 before the airline’s inaugural departure from Miami International Airport to Paris-Orly Airport (ORY). The launch gives MIA nonstop service to both international airports in the French capital city and creates MIA’s 18th nonstop route in Europe. French bee launched the Miami route with three weekly flights but plans to increase its frequency to four times per week in April 2023. The French airline will operate the Miami service with Airbus A350-900 aircraft that seat a total of 411 passengers in a configuration of 376 seats in economy class and 35 seats in premium class.  The MIA launch makes Miami the airline’s first route in the southeast U.S., fourth route in the U.S., and eighth route worldwide. Founded in 2016, French bee is now the 11th low-cost carrier at MIA, joining Frontier Airlines, GOL, JetBlue Airways, SKY Airline Peru, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sunwing, Viva Air, Volaris, and WestJet. In addition to Paris-Orly, passengers can fly to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport from MIA with American Airlines and Air France. Before the pandemic, nearly half a million travelers flew between France and MIA annually.

About the GMAA The Greater Miami Aviation Association supports and increases the pool of qualified South Florida college graduates who are pursuing careers in the aerospace industry and to enhance the overall effectiveness of our members through knowledge, networking and cooperation. The GMAA represents the region’s aviation industry, providing a forum to increase public awareness and promote programs that leverage the positive impact aviation has on economic development in its local communities. We provide a forum for the sharing of opinions and concerns among industry leaders, business executives, government, civic leaders, and others with an interest in the past, current and future activities of the aviation and aerospace industries.   For more information, visit www.gmaa.aero

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