The ninth-annual JetNet iQ Summit kicked off this morning with a panel discussion featuring NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen; GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce; and, making his first appearance at the conference, EBAA secretary general Athar Husain Khan.

Each described key challenges faced by their constituencies. Khan noted that EBAA continues to see business aircraft facing perception challenges, citing as examples criticism of the arrival of hundreds of private jets to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum, where delegates discussed climate change, and safety questions following the death of a popular soccer player in a general aviation accident, among others.

Bunce spoke to the increased scrutiny the industry is facing in the aftermath of the Boeing 737 Max accidents, describing it as a tumultuous three months. “GAMA’s entire membership is affected tremendously by what has happened and the scrutiny that is being placed on how we certify aircraft each and every day.” The organization has increased its educational efforts on Capitol Hill in attempts to dispel misconceptions about the FAA’s supervisory role in the certification process.

“The challenge that is clear is we need talent,” said Bolen, addressing the pilot and technician shortage. “But I think we’ve got a story that is better than virtually every industry that is out there.”