The Challenges And Advances From COVID In GA

We’ve also seen the value of the health and wellness benefits of flying privately during the pandemic. There have been spikes in business jet chartering over the past 18 months as health-conscious travellers have moved to private aviation for the first time.

Invaluable technology

Simply finding ways to survive and operate, in almost every sector of general aviation, has demanded remarkable levels of flexibility and creativity in the past 18 months.

We’ve all learned to embrace Zoom and Microsoft Teams, not only for courtesy calls and maintaining relationships, but for vital communications. Whenever possible, remotely supporting our Australasian customers online has become the ‘new normal’. Across the general aviation industry – from manufacturers, owners and operators to pilots and flight operations teams – we’ve stayed in contact via these extraordinary technologies.

QR codes are a flourishing technology right now. Prevalent at check-in areas across Australia and the region, we’ve been increasing our use of the codes through the pandemic to embed exclusive and value-added content in our ads and brand messages to the public.

We’ve also accelerated our adoption of immersive 3D virtual tours of our aircraft to continue to engage with customers, and used new videos and live streaming to support pre-purchase inspections and remote aircraft deliveries and to carry out product launches.

Tireless, ingenious efforts

Technology may be important, but health is essential. In line with each country’s safety and social distancing measures at any given time, the general aviation industry has rightly and effectively prioritised the wellbeing of sta and customers.

People executing non-location specific functions – such as sales, marketing and corporate activities – have worked from home in the peak periods of lockdown.

And wherever needed, engineers, field service representatives and maintenance sta have worked tirelessly and selflessly to support customers and keep aircraft flying. Service centres and parts warehouses have continued to operate smoothly, minimising disruptions. The efforts of our teams at Textron Aviation, and across the entire general aviation community, should be applauded.

When presented with government requirements for interstate and international travel, the issues surrounding self quarantine management, and the logistical challenges of delivering freight and spare parts (often in a highly time-sensitive manner), our industry’s commitment to the job at hand across Australia has been absolute and inspiring.

Let’s take this opportunity to acknowledge our customers, too, whose ingenuity, adaptability and understanding have contributed hugely to our industry’s achievements during the COVID-19 crisis.

Hope for the future

People the world over have adapted to the unprecedented challenges of the past 18 months and have tried to make the best of the situation. While initially forced upon us by lockdowns, travel restrictions and the need for emergency measures, the new efficiencies that were developed might well become permanent. Positive steps taken during the crisis, and the resilience shown yet again by our industry, mean we can and should approach the ‘new normal’ with optimism.