NBAA’s New Campus Connect Program: Shaping the Next Generation of Aviation Leaders

Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, [email protected]

Washington, DC, Jan. 9, 2025 - As demand for business aviation maintenance technicians continues to grow, the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA's) Maintenance Committee's new "Campus Connect" program aims to reach students and faculty at their schools to showcase the industry and its benefits.

"Hundreds of thousands of technicians will be needed across all sectors of the aviation industry in the coming years," said Stewart D'Leon, NBAA director of environmental and technical operations, and committee liaison. "This program enables us to engage directly with students, showcasing the diverse career opportunities in business aviation. It complements NBAA's 'Collegiate Connect' initiative, where students nationwide attend our annual convention, NBAA-BACE, to explore the wide range of professional opportunities in the industry."

The committee will be on campus at Purdue University Jan. 14-16. Previous events have taken place at Western Michigan University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and other institutions that are considered feeder schools to business aviation.

During the program, the committee meets directly with students, presents a discussion about the industry and allows students to meet with various committee members to hear directly from those in the field. Additionally, faculty in these programs are invited to committee events and a dinner.

Up to 120 students have attended each on-campus event, said D'Leon.

"The Campus Connect program was developed from an idea the Maintenance Committee had, and has evolved into an initiative that reignites our passion to help the next generation," said Andrew Kiehl, committee chair and Purdue graduate.

"The Maintenance Committee works hard to mentor and develop those coming after us, and by visiting schools around the country in conjunction with our committee meetings, we're able to get in front of more students than ever," he added. "We're not just opening doors; we're also guiding curriculum, educating the students on the benefits of a career in business aviation, and ensuring our pipeline of talent entering the industry remains healthy."

While the Maintenance Committee is so far the only one to conduct such a program, D'Leon said the initiative is one all NBAA committees can take part in.

"We must make every effort to showcase the advantages of a career in business aviation to the next generation," he added. "This is vital to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of our industry."

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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.

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