Record Amount Raised For The Non-Profit Veterans Airlift Command

More than 100 air charter industry professionals gathered this week for the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Air Charter Summit near Washington, DC. Attendees participated in sessions including voluntary safety programs, the application of Federal Excise Taxes to aircraft management services, FAA regulatory issues, the future of air charter and training center relationships, and corporate policies for electronics as well as new industry initiatives.

The event also raised a record amount in support of the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC). The Veterans Airlift Command is a charitable organization that provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans, and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes. Summit attendees were honored to have Army Specialist Andrew Smith and his wife, Tori Smith, in attendance. Andrew was severely wounded in combat operations in Afghanistan in 2012 after stepping on an improvised explosive device. He is currently receiving rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The Smith's have participated on several VAC missions to visit family members in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

"We could not be more proud of our NATA members for their heartfelt support of the Veterans Airlift Command. In addition to their strong financial giving at this event, our members volunteer throughout the year by flying missions and donating flight hours to this fantastic organization. We are honored to support those who have given so much for us and our country," said NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks.

Also at the Air Charter Summit, NATA promoted its popular Online Aircraft Flight Coordinator Training and held a session on a new educational initiative developed with industry partner the National Business Aviation Association called FileSmart. Attendees also received a first-hand view of NATA's Safety 1st Ground Audit Standard.

"NATA appreciates the strong and loyal following the Air Charter Summit has had over the years, but we were also very pleased to see many new faces this week. No other event addresses the unique issues and concerns of the air charter industry, making the Summit the premier venue for information gathering and networking," added Hendricks.

FMI: www.nata.aero, www.veteransairlift.org