Washington, DC – The keynote speakers at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) 55th Annual Meeting & Convention, September 10 to 12, 2002, in Orlando, FL, include Edsel Ford II, CEO of Pentastar Aviation, and Tom Blank of the Transportation Security Administration. At least 25,000 Attendees are expected to view the products and services of 1,008 Exhibitors (including approximately 150 new Exhibitors) occupying about 900,000 square feet of exhibit space. The NBAA Static Display of Aircraft at Orlando Executive Airport will be home to approximately 140 business aircraft. The Convention also will feature a record number of Informational Sessions, including special sessions focused on security.
In addition, NBAA will present its American Spirit Award to the passengers and crew of Flight 93. The award recognizes individuals within business aviation who exemplify the courage, pursuit of excellence and service to others that characterize the men and women who created and nurtured the American aviation community.
While honoring the sacrifice of all those who perished at the hands of terrorists September 11, 2001, we believe the passengers and crew of Flight 93 exemplified the American Spirit in their heroic actions,” said NBAA President Jack Olcott. “Changing 40 years of hijacking protocol in less than 40 minutes, they refused to submit to the will of hijackers, thereby saving countless lives, although not their own, and averting significant loss to our nation’s Capitol.
Accepting the American Spirit Award on behalf of all those on Flight 93 will be Claudette Greene, widow of Flight 93 passenger Donald Greene and daughter-in-law of Dr. Leonard Greene, founder of Safe Flight Instrument Corporation and honoree of the 1996 NBAA Meritorious Service to Aviation Award.
Because of its large size, our Convention must be scheduled many years in advance. Since this year the event coincides with the first anniversary of September 11, we plan to delay the Show’s opening until 10:00 a.m. on that date and provide large projection televisions in the Convention main entrance area so Attendees can participate in the national memorials,” noted Olcott.
NBAA represents the aviation interests of more than 7,100 companies which own or operate general aviation aircraft as an aid to the conduct of their business, or are involved with business aviation. NBAA Member Companies earn annual revenues approaching $5 trillion — a number that is about half the gross domestic product — and employ more than 19 million people worldwide. The NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention is the world’s largest display of civil aviation products and services.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.