Aviation Business Journal 3rd Quarter 2012 - 21

James K. Coyne
Continued from page 19

You’ve mentioned the recession and other challenges. What gives you optimism as you look to the future and think about where the industry may be heading in the next 18 years?
I have great optimism for the future. To think about another 18 years of progress in our industry, frankly, boggles the imagination. Certainly there’s reason to be optimistic about technology, for one thing. Holly and I flew back from a trip a few days ago with our iPad, following our flight path on the screen. It’s just amazing! I think we’ll see game-changing new aircraft, new technologies, new fuel efficiency, new composites...and not even in 18 years, but in 18 months! The speed of change is the thing that gives me the greatest reason to be optimistic. I’m hopeful, too, about politics in America, I think we’re seeing a return to an appreciation for business in America and a growing understanding that the government is not the be-all, end-all to solve everything, and that the people running our businesses are the engine of growth, innovation, and change. It’s dazzling to see how energetic our private sector has become. When I worked at the White House, I had the title of ‘director of private sector initiatives.’ Ever since then I’ve felt that all NATA members should share that wonderful title, because I really feel that the private sector is where the initiative and change in our economy comes from, and I’m very optimistic that it’s going to continue.

Keep on flying!

What’s on the horizon for you?
Personally, my daughter is expecting twins so we’ll have grandchildren numbers 5 and 6 on board. Professionally, I would very much like to play an important part in helping bring the private sector in America back up to its proper position of power, authority and responsibility. Politically, there might be an opportunity for me to play a role back on Capitol Hill. I’m also looking forward to building upon my career and establishing a full-time consulting position here in Washington under what I have rather grandly called the First Washington Management Group, which I actually started over 20 years ago. I’ve really only had a few great passions in my life outside of my family and my wife, Holly. Aviation has always been one of those passions. Politics has always been one of those passions. And business has always been one of those passions. Hopefully I’ll find a way to continue to be passionate about all three and continue to be an advocate for change in Washington.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention, while we’ve got you?
I’d like to say thank you, again, to our staff, both current and former, at NATA, without whom we simply could not have done what we’ve done these past 18 years and in the long history of the association. NATA’s history goes back to 1940 and our association’s achievements have been crucial for our industry. I look forward to the next generation of NATA members building upon what NATA has accomplished as an organization in the last 72 years. I really owe our board and each of our members thanks for giving me this opportunity. And, of course, I’d like to personally invite everyone to our final NATA Christmas party this December. It’s been a tradition during my tenure to hold an annual party for all our staff here in Washington as well as our members and our allies in government and at the FAA. This year’s party will be bittersweet, but for me it will be one last chance to say: Keep on flying!

Aviation Business Journal | 3rd Quarter 2012

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Aviation Business Journal 3rd Quarter 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aviation Business Journal 3rd Quarter 2012
