Together, Regionals Face Critical Challenges, Opportunities Ahead Regional Airline Association (RAA) Chairman of the Board Bryan Bedford and President Faye Malarkey Black on Monday kicked off the 42nd Annual Convention, welcoming delegates and providing a high-level overview of the industry. Black opened the General Session with 1,300 delegates in the main plenary of the Palm Beach County Convention Center. “What we need - and what this convention helps to achieve - is a broader assortment of aviation voices coming together to talk in unison on critical issues,” she said. In an address on the state of regional aviation, Bedford called regional carriers the backbone of American air transportation, stressing the essential role community air service plays in the RAA Board Chair Bryan Bedford at the opening of the 42nd Annual Conference daily lives of workers and families across the country. Regional airlines provide the sole link to global air transportation for most U.S. communities. According to U.S. Department of Shrinking Hireable Pilot Pool Transportation (DOT) airline employment data from late 2016, RAA Estimated active pilot certificates held by category (Ages 20-59) airline members employ more than 59,000 people. 400,000 350,000 300,000 However, Bedford also painted a portrait of a worsening pilot shortage 250,000 that is being felt acutely by regional carriers and threating economic 200,000 consequences that reach far beyond the industry. Between 2013 and 2016, 150,000 81 airports lost at least half of their air service, with 18 airports losing all of it. 100,000 50,000 0 Bedford detailed RAA’s role as a vocal leader and active participant in the 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 -19.7% since ‘09- 951 per month- 32 per day debate and formation of federal policies to address these and other issues Source: FAA U.S. Civil PRIVATE COMMERCIAL ATP Airmen Statistics facing the industry. He talked about the impact of the Federal Aviation Table 12 Administration’s (FAA) 2013 First Offi ce Qualifi cation (FOQ) on pilots and the association’s advocacy for additional structured training pathways as a remedy. He spotlighted progress on advancing fact-based policy – notably, the inclusion of language offered by U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD) in the pending Senate FAA For RAA, the Reauthorization bill. He emphasized that for RAA, the ultimate focus remains on enhancing ultimate focus is safety and promoting competency-based pilot training. to enhance safety and promote The opening general session was sponsored by FlightSafety Intl. and attended by hundreds “ competency-based from across the industry – including carriers, OEMs, state and federal offi cials and aviation service providers of all sizes. The general session was followed by a brief ribbon cutting ceremony pilot training.” opening the exhibition hall. TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS General Session I: General Carl Everhart COMMANDER, AIR MOBILITY COMMAND - TUESDAY - 8:00AM Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II is Commander, Air Mobility Command (AMC), Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Air Mobility Command’s mission is to provide rapid, global mobility and sustainment for America’s armed forces. The command also plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian support at home and around the world. The men and women of AMC - active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilians - provide airlift, aerial refueling, special air mission and aeromedical evacuation. General Session II: Dan Elwell DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION - TUESDAY - 8:45AM He is the second highest-ranking official at the agency and is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the largest a erospace system in the world. Elwell also serves as the Chief NextGen Officer and is responsible for FAA’s modernization of the air traffic control system. Deputy Administrator Elwell is unable to attend due to the disasters in the Caribbean, but he has graciously sent a video address for the General Session. General Session III: Community and Air Carrier Perspectives on a Strong and Proficient Pilot Workforce TUESDAY - 9:15AM Moderator: Faye Malarkey Black, President, RAA Panelists: Steve Alterman, President, Cargo Airline Association; Mark Hansen, Lead Counsel, Regulatory Affairs, FedEx; Mike Mooney, Managing Partner, Voltaire Aviation Consulting; Sheri Taylor, Programming Manager, Air Service Development, Wyoming DOT; Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, SkyWest Silent Auction Silent Auction hours are Monday 5pm - 6:30pm & Tuesday 10am - 4pm. Thanks to your participation, the scholarship award this year grew to four $4,000 scholarships. A special thanks goes to Air Wisconsin for their donation. See back cover for full list of auction items. Don’t Miss: John Duncan Talks FAA Reorganization CONVENTION CENTER ROOM 1D - 1:30 PM John S. Duncan is the director of flight standards service for the FAA. He oversees the development, coordination, and execution of policies, standards, systems, as well procedures that govern the operations, maintenance, and airworthiness of all U.S. civil aircraft, including those of U.S. flag carriers and foreign carriers when operating in and over the United States and its territories. He will talk about efforts to reorganize the FAA and other topics of interest. Don’t forget to register for Wednesday’s Root Cause Analysis & Safety Investigation Course WEDNESDAY AT THE CONVENTION CENTER IN ROOM 1GH The course is designed to provide knowledge and tools in two key areas of a Safety Management System (SMS): Root Cause Analysis and Safety Investigations. It provides useful techniques and methods that allow managers at all levels to make their Safety Management System more effective to lower risk across all processes & procedures in aviation operations. Those interested in participating must register beforehand and can do so by going to http://www.raa.org/events MANUFACTURER Q&As Bombardier Highlights New, World-Class CRJ Atmosphère Cabin Design Kevin Smith, vice president - regional aircraft at Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, discussed how the company is well-positioned today and into the future with the world’s most successful regional jet order program, including 120 owners and operators. Smith showcased the company’s new CRJ aircraft interior dubbed Atmosphère in a video. “Now you can see continuous investment in the platform; fuel burn, maintenance, said Smith. “The product appealed to the passenger. It is just an amazing CASM machine. The future is bright for Atmosphère…” Smith added. During a Q&A session with media that followed, Smith advised the manufacturer is close to announcing a launch customer, adding it (Atmosphère ) will be “the new norm.” Bombardier Booth #617 in the Exhibit Hall features virtual reality headsets where visitors are welcomed to tour the aircraft to view Atmosphère’s improvements, including a more spacious front entrance, larger overhead bins in the premium cabin, enhanced lighting and lavoratories. Smith also addressed the regional pilot shortage. “We have a shortage of regional pilots,” he said, noting that in 2004, 100 percent of pilot training classes were filled, while 2013, 2014 and 2015 saw declines. “You’re now getting 50-60 percent of your classes filled for trainees so, you can see the pilot shortage is real…it’s here,” said Smith. Embraer Executives Share Positive Forward Outlook, Including Recap Of “State-of-the-Art” E2 Program Embraer executives shared a bright economic outlook at the morning media briefing. Eric Christensen, Regional Vice President - Marketing, North America Commercial Aviation, reviewed the market outlook, citing an “amazing” doubling of the airline industry within the next 10-15 years. ““Our company takes a very positive, forward view,” said Christensen, who noted an official forecast of 6400 aircraft in the company’s segment with North America accounting for its largest market and Asia-Pacific showing dramatic growth -- close to that of North America. To date, Embraer’s E-Jet program has 1700 aircraft on order with 1300 delivered. Embraer serves 100 customers in over 70 countries. E2 is focused on being more efficient with new Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan engines and improved passenger comfort, among other benefits. Currently five E2 prototypes are flying with over 1200 flight-test hours. The E190-E2 will enter the first half of 2018 with launch customer Wideroe Airlines. The E195-E2 prototype took flight for first time this year and is on schedule to enter into service in 2019 with launch customer Azul from Brazil. The 175 E2 is expected in 2021. “We are very well positioned to serve the regional market with our current or new airplanes when they come on board,” said Christensen. Embraer currently has 730 commitments for E-Jets E2, including 285 firm orders. “The Profit Hunter, 195-E2, will be the most efficient, single aisle narrow body in the world when the airplane comes out next year.” Charles R. Hillis, Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Commercial Aviation went on to say: “The E2 is a state-of-the-art airplane. It is our future. It is an airplane that needs the North American market and we believe the North American market needs it.” Hillis closed by recapping 2017’s total Embraer orders which include 29 aircraft – 14 E175s and 15 E175SCs, with an eye toward continuing to increase sales by year end. P&WC Deals Total $830 Million This Year Alone Leaders from Pratt and Whitney (P&W) and Pratt and Whitney Canada (P&WC) on Monday addressed members of the aviation press in a special briefing at the RAA Annual Convention in Palm Beach. P&WC announced that it has signed an agreement with New Zealand’s national airline to deliver an engine service and support program. The engine maintenance solution for Air New Zealand covers PW123-powered DHC8-300 aircraft in the airline’s Air Nelson fleet and PW127M-powered ATR72-500/600 aircraft in the airline’s Mount Cook fleet.