NBAA continues to add to the slate of high-profile officials who are speaking at its convention next month in Las Vegas. Both FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin have committed to speak during the Opening General Session on Tuesday, November 17. “As Washington policymakers are debating important issues related to the FAA—from the implementation of NextGen to the future structure of the agency itself—Administrator Huerta’s insights will certainly be of interest to our attendees,” NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said.

Fallin will bring insight from both a state and national perspective. In addition to her role as governor, she formerly served two terms in the U.S. House and was a member of the aviation subcommittee. NBAA noted the importance of general aviation in Oklahoma, with an annual economic output of more than $2.5 billion, and Bolen added, "We look forward to hearing her views on business aviation and the importance of aviation to Oklahoma.”

Other announced speakers for the association’s Opening General Sessions include U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske and retired US Airways Capt. Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger (second-day session).