In a move to attract young professionals to business aviation careers, the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) launched the BizAv Young Talent Initiative (BizAv YTI) at its annual convention and exhibition last week. The initiative is spearheaded by a team of six young professionals currently in business aviation, including chairperson Kate Latis.
“Three years ago, I had no idea this side of the industry even existed,” Latis said. “I graduated from a four-year aviation management program, and business aviation never came up as a possible career choice. I was exposed to a multitude of jobs in commercial aviation and our program even touched on military careers.” But she eventually discovered business aviation and is now an administrative assistant at Edmonton International Airport-based charter and management company Aurora Jet Partners.
BizAv YTI plans to reach out to flight schools and post-secondary institutions, organizing presentations that explain business aviation and its career opportunities. The team will also organize networking events. “These will provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, share experiences, and build strong connections that will set students up for success and help aviation professionals grow their existing careers,” the team said.
The first BizAv YTI meeting is planned in Alberta later this year, with a nationwide expansion planned next year.
