Inaugural AI Symposium for Business Aviation Draws Over 200 Participants at Embry-Riddle
Why It MattersThe event signals growing formal collaboration between business aviation operators, regulators and technology firms to integrate AI responsibly into flight operations and maintenance.
The first AI Symposium for Business Aviation (AISBA) concluded September 15-16 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Daytona Beach campus, drawing more than 200 participants and 15 sponsors. The two-day event was developed by Tuvoli, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), and Embry-Riddle's David B. O'Maley College of Business, with Tuvoli President and CEO Greg Johnson credited as the driving force behind the initiative.
The symposium brought together aviation business leaders, technology innovators, regulators, educators, and students to examine practical applications of artificial intelligence across business aviation operations, including aircraft maintenance, flight operations, customer engagement, and business strategy. Speakers from Amazon Web Services, Sayflight, FlyUSA, and other aviation and technology organizations addressed those topics on the first day, while FAA representatives discussed how AI capabilities can complement established aviation safety practices. The second day shifted to application-focused workshops at the David B. O'Maley College of Business, offering beginner and advanced sessions plus a dedicated discussion on the future of flight management systems.
Johnson said AISBA was designed to give business aviation a practical, hands-on forum for exploring AI and how to apply it responsibly. NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna said the symposium's value lies in what participants bring back to their businesses, and that it connects current aviation leaders with the next generation of professionals. Student registration was free, and net proceeds will support aviation scholarships through the National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF). Discussions from AISBA are expected to continue at NATA's Aviation Business Conference in Denver in November, where Johnson will address the air charter outlook and AI's evolving role in the industry.
