IAMA Launches Virtual Think Tank in Response to COVID-19

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry are like none ever previously seen. IAMA and its membership witnessed the rapid contraction of global airline flights and the resulting chain reaction in the aviation ecosystem. Demonstrating its leadership in the aircraft modification field, the organization launched a Virtual Think Tank program, called IAMA VTT.

“COVID-19 created an incredibly stressful environment for the whole aviation industry,” said Marc Pinault, IAMA chairman. “IAMA’s leadership recognized, early that we need to pull together as an industry to foster a strong ecosystem that will continue to maintain its competitive edge. This is why we created our Virtual Think Tank program and we are offering our significant technical resources to both IAMA members and non-members alike. Our goal is to facilitate crisis resolution, and so over the coming weeks, we will host a series of web-based events with representatives from the IAMA leadership, members, commercial aircraft owners, and their related associations.”

Along with the web-based discussion events, the IAMA VTT program includes an online resource where IAMA members, airlines and lessors can discuss short-term technical aircraft related services, and to connect with experts who can help resolve technical issues. Built with the expertise of IAMA members, the “COVID-19 and Crisis Catalog” allows members and non-members to list and find individual solutions to help airlines and lessors keep their aircraft fleets airworthy and safe. Non-IAMA members are also encouraged to list their products and services in the catalog for free when those match the categories indicated and updated on our website such as airworthiness reviews and permits to flight or aircraft disinfection. (Click here for more information)

“Our ultimate goal with this Virtual Think Tank program is to ensure global aircraft fleets are prepared for safe re-activation and return to service when the time comes,” said Nicole Noack, managing director of IAMA. “The most effective way to accomplish this is to facilitate airworthiness and safety maintenance during the crisis period. While the goal is for safe return to service, we recognize that operators supporting COVID-19 crisis activities may need guidance on how to operate safely, so we plan to address this issue too. We encourage airline operators to visit our IAMA response website (Click Here), and we look forward to the airline ecosystem’s strong and successful emergence from these very difficult and stressful times.”