By Carolina Moreira, Digital Marketing Manager at MedAire and Co-Chair of Marketing & Events at NBAA’s Young Professionals Council
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. as part of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Fly-In, an event that brings together professionals from across the industry to advocate for the future of business aviation.
As Co-Chair of the Marketing & Events Committee for NBAA’s Young Professionals Council (YoPro), I was proud to stand alongside a dynamic group of under-40 leaders nationwide. The YoPro Council comprises rising professionals from every corner of business aviation, including operations, sales, maintenance, marketing, flight crews, medical, tax, and more, who are deeply committed to advancing safety, sustainability, innovation, and workforce development in our industry. Together, we work to ensure that the next generation of leaders is empowered, engaged, and shaping the future of aviation.
During our time in D.C., we held our annual council meeting and met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to raise awareness about the most pressing issues facing business aviation today. A highlight for me was engaging with key members of Congress, including Senator Mark Kelly, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, Rep. David Schweikert, and Rep. Ken Calvert. As someone whose company is headquartered in Arizona, it was especially meaningful to connect with Arizona lawmakers and share our state’s aviation story.
What We Advocated For
While our delegation addressed a broad set of priorities, I focused on two key areas:
- ATC Modernisation: We called for continued investment in modernising the nation’s air traffic control system. Advancements like NextGen technology are critical to improving flight efficiency, reducing fuel burn, enhancing safety, and achieving key sustainability goals. A modern, data-driven ATC system helps ensure that U.S. airspace remains accessible, resilient, and ready to meet future demands.
- Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). We also emphasised the importance of supporting the next frontier of flight: Advanced Air Mobility. These emerging aircraft and infrastructure systems have the potential to transform regional transportation, improve connectivity in underserved areas, and drive new economic opportunities. Continued R&D, infrastructure development, and integration planning are essential for securing U.S. leadership in this transformative sector.
Other priorities our teams addressed included:
- Opposing ATC privatisation, which could limit access for smaller communities and general aviation users
- Supporting aviation workforce development programs to help address critical shortages across the industry
- Promoting adoption and accessibility of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- Opposing aviation tariffs that would disrupt global supply chains and increase operational costs
- Supporting the extension of aviation tax incentives that enable long-term planning and investment
One especially timely moment came when we learned that the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed the Mental Health in Aviation Act while we were on the Hill. This bipartisan legislation is a critical step in supporting the wellbeing of pilots and air traffic controllers, closely aligned with MedAire’s mission to deliver world-class medical and safety support throughout the aviation ecosystem.
Why This Matters
It was energising to see so many young professionals, such as pilots, engineers, marketers, tax experts, and more, step forward to shape the future of aviation. These conversations aren’t symbolic; they help guide real policy decisions directly impacting how we operate, grow, and innovate.
Business aviation contributes over $250 billion to the U.S. economy and supports over 1 million jobs. From connecting remote regions to providing critical medical transport, our industry plays an essential role, and ensuring its continued strength is both a privilege and a responsibility.
I’m especially grateful to MedAire for supporting my participation in the YoPro Council and making this trip possible. Our company does more than deliver safety and medical solutions; we show up, engage, and lead where it matters most.
Looking Ahead
Advocating for business aviation in D.C. was a powerful reminder of our roles' interconnectedness. Whether driving innovation behind the scenes or working directly with clients in the field, each of us has a stake in the future of this industry.
I’m proud to return with these insights and energy to share with my team at MedAire and look forward to continuing this vital work alongside my colleagues in aviation.