ISTAT Jetrader - Summer 2020 - 3

The ISTAT Board has taken the unprecedented
move to provide an additional US$500,000 to the ISTAT
Foundation for specific use in helping with the global
initiative against COVID-19.

suffered and will continue to suffer
in the coming months and beyond.
However, it's in dark times like these
that humanity needs to step up and
be counted. At times of significant
distress, leaders need to diffuse
the situation and place some order
into this somewhat anarchical and
scary world. We have seen countless
numbers of our ISTAT members around
the world stepping up. We have seen
hastily arranged repatriation flights,
fundraising initiatives, even workout
videos and various drives to try and
arrange PPE to be brought to those in most need. I have witnessed collaboration
between people from disparate backgrounds rallying behind one cause. I have seen
cross-border initiatives driven by virtual teamwork that have overcome massive
logistical and cultural challenges. The expediency that we have seen this sort of
global cooperation happen has been breathtaking. It really just shows you what
society can achieve when we are focused on an issue together. I salute everyone
who has played any part in this, no matter how small a role.
ISTAT is first and foremost about its members. While some would say we exist
to facilitate networking, the reality is that ISTAT does a lot more than that. This is
evidenced each year particularly through the ISTAT Foundation. I was honored to
present an US$800,000 check to the Foundation on your behalf in Austin. Almost
65% of your annual membership fee goes to the Foundation each year, and it is
used in ways that truly will make a difference to the less fortunate. This is achieved
through education, grants, humanitarian and other initiatives.
However, the board and I believe that in times like this, ISTAT should also be
stepping up. It is with this in mind that the board has taken the unprecedented move
to provide an additional US$500,000 to the Foundation for specific use in helping
with the global initiative against COVID-19.
ISTAT members are not immune to the social and economic hardship that
COVID-19 has brought. As such, we have expanded our Members Between Jobs
program so those who need ISTAT most have the opportunity to use it. For those
who wish to avail of this initiative, please email executivedirector@istat.org.
What's keeping me optimistic is knowing that aviation is important to the world
and the world economy. We have adapted our daily lives through creativity and
technology and will continue to do so. While it may feel like our heart has been
ripped out in the past number of months, it is still beating. We may not be the
fulcrum of the global economy, but we certainly have a major part to play. This gives
me the hope that there is a significant role for commercial aviation in this "new
world." Life is going to change, but, remember, change is good. While it is difficult
to comprehend how we can get through this, we will. We always do and always will.

In short, while the playing field
will be different, the shape of the ball
is somewhat the same. Together we
can make the new world work. I am
not sure when we will see each other
again, but I know that, more than ever,
I will cherish the ability to get out of the
house. I am looking forward to having a
coffee outside with friends and family.
And I am excited about being on phone
calls while not having to act as a U.N.
peacemaker between my kids and a
board game. Although it's kind of nice
playing Mario with them!
Stay safe everyone. Please listen
and adhere to the advice from your
local health officials. Together we will
get through this, and I am excited to
see everyone again sometime in the
not-too-distant future. 
Regards,

Gerry Butler
ISTAT President
Jetrader

* SUMMER 2020 * 3
ISTAT Jetrader - Summer 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ISTAT Jetrader - Summer 2020
