NATCA Hosts 10th Annual Corporate Partner Reception
On June 23, NATCA hosted its 10th Annual Corporate Partner Reception, welcoming approximately 65 attendees representing nearly 25 organizations across the aviation industry. NATCA President Nick Daniels, Southwest Regional Vice President John Bratcher, and National Organizing Committee member Cesar Cordero addressed attendees, thanking them for their support of NATCA members and the Union’s priorities.
During his remarks, NATCA President Nick Daniels emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach as government and private-sector organizations work together to develop and deploy a new air traffic control system.
“A system must be built around the people who are going to use it. They are the cornerstone of our future,” Daniels said. “Thank you all for embracing that concept and ensuring that people remain the central focus.”
The evening featured keynote speaker Justin Ciaccio, president of Peraton’s Aerospace Sector. In this role, Ciaccio leads Peraton’s transformative, multibillion-dollar Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) program, a landmark Federal Aviation Administration initiative focused on modernizing the nation’s air traffic control infrastructure with advanced communications, surveillance, automation, and mission-critical technologies that will shape the future of aviation.
During his keynote address, Ciaccio reiterated the vital role collaboration plays in ensuring the success of initiatives like BNATCS. He also recognized NATCA members for the skill and dedication they bring to their professions, maintaining the safety of America’s airspace despite historic underinvestment.
“Despite its complexity, our air traffic control system has been asked to run on technology from the last millennium. These systems have served us very well. And honestly, that’s a testament to the controllers’ ability to maximize whatever resources they’ve been handed,” Ciaccio said. “But just because it’s worked doesn’t mean it’s sustainable.”
As in years past, NATCA also used the Corporate Partner Reception to showcase the work of the NATCA Charitable Foundation. This year’s event included an activity to support Caitlin’s Smiles, a nonprofit based in Harrisburg, Pa. Caitlin’s Smiles encourages children with serious health challenges to explore their creative talents by taking part in arts and crafts activities.
Thank you to all our corporate partners, staff, and members of the National Organizing Committee that made this event such a success.
