Listen "Aviation Logistics and Innovations with Greg Principato"
Episode Synopsis
Host Bryndis Whitson welcomes Greg Principato, current president of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale World Airsports and former CEO of the National Aeronautic Association of the United States, to the show. Greg brings an extensive history of experience and lifetime of passion for aviation to his conversation with Bryndis. He shares his career journey, insight into aviation logistics, and thoughts about current air travel and airports with listeners. Greg gives Bryndis a brief history of the aviation industry and discusses what his role at the National Aeronautic Association entailed, part of which included certifying aviation records set by daring people in the realm of flight feats. He stresses the economic importance of aviation, highlighting that it’s not just a form of travel for people’s pleasure and business, but a vital cog in the supply chain. Greg and Bryndis also talk about innovations in the aviation industry, from noise reduction at airports to efficiency in security measures, which include pre-check and automated passport controls. Greg offers a peek behind the curtain into the complexities and novelties of the aviation industry.About Greg Principato:Greg has enjoyed a more than 40-year career in government, NGO, business and association sectors. For the past 32 years, his focus has been aviation. He is currently the President of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), the International Air Sports Federation (recognized as such by the International Olympic Committee). FAI is the oldest global aviation organization.Greg previously worked on Capitol Hill, in state government, for an NGO, a law firm and as Executive Director of a Presidential Commission on Aviation. He held the President/CEO position for three major aviation associations, most recently the National Aeronautic Association, the nation's oldest national aviation organization. Greg’s prior position was President/CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials, representing the men and women who run the aviation offices and programs in the 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico.Greg previously served as President and CEO of the trade association for North American airports for eight years (Airports Council International - North America). He brought a more successful business-oriented focus to the association, resulting in a tripling of net assets, creation of a year's operating reserve; all while expanding staff and association offerings to members. He achieved, or made substantial progress on, all legislative and regulatory goals, as well as achieved full integration of U.S. and Canadian members into a full North American organization. Annual member surveys showed steady and increasing member satisfaction.He was an effective builder and leader of a high quality and diverse staff. The quality and diversity of the association staff was widely noticed and well-regarded in the industry. Greg has been a leader in successful efforts to reform and re-focus the world airport association, which today is regarded as a major force in shaping global aviation trends.—Contact Bryndis Whitson: Website: ZebrasToApples.com Instagram: @ZebrasToApplesLinkedInContact Greg Principato: Website: FAI.orgLinkedIn
More episodes of the podcast Zebras to Apples
Demystifying Negotiation with Adela Parilla
03/11/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.