At the Spring IADA meeting in Scottsdale, I had the opportunity to participate on a panel focused on one of our industry’s most pressing issues: workforce development.
Moderated by Phil Stearns of Stevens Aviation, the panel featured insightful contributions from Jo Damato of NBAA and Dr. Shanan Gibson of Embry-Riddle. Together, we shared perspectives on elevating the people who keep our operations flying.
The conversation resonated deeply. Not just because it’s a trending topic—but because it’s tied to something every leader wants more of.
The Four-Letter Word? It’s TIME.
Yes. TIME is the word we’re all chasing.
In the world of business aviation, we frequently assert that "business aviation buys you time."
After all, a private aircraft enhances organizational agility, fosters customer intimacy, accelerates transactions and significantly boosts productivity.
And the data backs that up.
According to a comprehensive study by Andersen, companies that operated business aircraft achieved a 343% return to shareholders between 1995 and 1999.
Those that didn’t? Just 177%.
This competitive advantage stems directly from increased mobility, efficiency and yes, more time.
But here’s the connection: just as investing in aircraft helps executives maximize time, so does investing in people.
Invest in People, Buy More Time
Well-trained, well-supported employees function much like a high-performance fleet. They boost organizational efficiency, reduce executive bandwidth strain and help businesses capitalize on opportunities faster.
Employee development mirrors the value of aviation. It saves time, leverages top talent and improves flexibility and responsiveness.
Teams that are trained and empowered can take on more complex projects with clarity and confidence. That agility? It ties directly to greater profitability and market share growth—key drivers of shareholder value, per the Andersen study.
Reduce Turnover. Increase Impact.
Workforce development also reduces costly turnover, much like how a corporate aircraft reduces travel-related fatigue and stress.
A jet gives decision-makers a focused environment mid-flight. A strong workforce culture gives your team a focused environment every day.
By investing in employees, you create a workplace where innovation flows, knowledge is shared and execution improves.
Strategically nurturing your workforce also restores something that’s often overlooked in aviation: work-life balance.
A Workforce Culture That Honors TIME
The Andersen study noted that business aircraft “lengthen the workday without forcing employees to lose time with their families.”
Workforce development can do the same.
When employees are well-trained and supported, they execute tasks with greater efficiency. Thereby reducing overtime and preserving personal time.
They don’t need constant oversight. They don’t burn out. And they protect not only your time, but their own.
That’s the real value: a workforce culture that respects the four-letter word that matters most.
The ROI of TIME
As business aviation leaders, we understand the return on investing in high-quality aircraft.
But what about investing in the people who manage, support and lead those operations?
By giving your team the tools to grow, you gain something that no amount of capital can create.
Time to lead.
Time to innovate.
Time to thrive.
That’s the kind of four-letter word every business could use more of.
Your team, your family, and your bottom line will thank you for it.
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