Inaugural AI Symposium for Business Aviation Draws More Than 200 Participants for Industry Collaboration and Hands-On Learning

Tuvoli, NATA (The National Air Transportation Association), and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's David B. O'Maley College of Business, concluded the inaugural AI Symposium for Business Aviation (AISBA) this week. The first edition attracted more than 200 participants and the support of 15 sponsors, bringing together aviation business leaders, technology innovators, regulators, educators, and students to explore the opportunities, responsibilities, and practical applications of artificial intelligence in business aviation.

Inspired by the vision of Tuvoli President and CEO Greg Johnson, AISBA was developed in partnership with NATA and Embry-Riddle, bringing together the three organizations to help business aviation leaders explore AI’s practical applications.

Held September 15–16 at Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus, the symposium combined industry-focused discussions, demonstrations, and interactive workshops designed to help aviation businesses move from understanding AI's potential to evaluating its application within their own operations.

The event provided a collaborative forum for examining emerging technologies, exchanging operational perspectives, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen safety, support employees, and enhance customer service while maintaining appropriate human oversight.

"The idea behind AISBA was to give business aviation a practical, hands-on forum for exploring what AI can do and how to put it to work responsibly,” said Johnson. “NATA and Embry-Riddle were outstanding partners in bringing that vision to life. Together, we brought operators, technologists, regulators, and students into the same room to learn from one another.”

The first day opened with remarks from NATA Board Chair Cristine Kirk of Malone AirCharter, followed by a keynote featuring Tuvoli’s Johnson, Embry-Riddle College of Business Dean Joe Gibney, and Skyler, an AI-powered aviation business agent. The presentation set the stage for a full day of discussions examining how emerging technology is changing aviation business practices and where additional opportunities may exist.

"I thought the inaugural AI Symposium was phenomenal. It was exciting to see people from every part of business aviation come together, with every level of experience with AI, from those just getting started to those already putting it to work," said Kirk. "The workshops gave everyone an opportunity to learn, but just as valuable were the conversations, networking, and relationships built over the day and a half. What I love most is the commitment to stay connected, keep learning from each other, and keep the momentum going. I believe some of the connections made here will last a lifetime."

Throughout Tuesday, speakers from Amazon Web Services, Sayflight, FlyUSA, and other aviation and technology organizations addressed practical applications ranging from aircraft maintenance and flight operations to customer engagement and business strategy. FAA representatives contributed perspectives on how emerging AI capabilities can complement established aviation safety practices, while additional discussions explored AI governance, evaluating AI solutions and selecting providers, operational implementation, and the importance of maintaining human accountability.

The program also examined how AI is influencing aviation education and the competencies future professionals will need, connecting industry challenges with the perspectives of Embry-Riddle faculty and students.

"Our students don't just need to understand AI in theory — they need to see how it's being applied in the businesses they'll be joining," said Joe Gibney, Dean of Embry-Riddle's David B. O'Maley College of Business. "Having them work alongside brokers, operators, flight departments, and technology providers at AISBA gave them a front-row seat to where this industry is headed, and a chance to help shape it."

Wednesday's workshops shifted the focus from discussion to application. Hosted at the David B. O'Maley College of Business, the sessions offered learning opportunities for participants at different stages of AI adoption. Beginner and advanced workshops provided opportunities to explore tools, exchange ideas, and work through practical applications, while a separate session examined the future of flight management systems.

The workshops brought industry professionals, facilitators, and students together in a collaborative environment, reinforcing the value of sharing knowledge across organizations and experience levels.

"For NATA, the real measure of this symposium is what participants take back to their businesses," said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. "Our members are looking for practical ways to evaluate new technology, strengthen their operations, and make informed investments without compromising the safety and professionalism that define our industry. AISBA created an opportunity to learn from one another, challenge assumptions, and better understand where AI can deliver meaningful value. Just as importantly, we are connecting today's aviation leaders with the next generation and investing in the talent that will carry our industry forward."

Industry and academic collaboration was a defining element of AISBA. Students and faculty participated alongside aviation executives, operational professionals, and technology experts, gaining exposure to real-world business challenges and contributing fresh perspectives to discussions about AI adoption and future workforce needs.

"One of the things I valued most about AISBA was the chance for students and industry veterans to hear directly from each other," said Tuvoli's Johnson. "Those conversations are what bridge the gap between today's leaders and tomorrow's, and they're exactly the kind of connections that lead to future collaboration across our industry."

With complimentary student registration and support from event sponsors and attendees, AISBA extended its educational mission beyond the symposium itself. Net event proceeds will support aviation scholarships through the National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF), helping create additional opportunities for students pursuing careers in the industry.

Tuvoli, NATA, and Embry-Riddle extend their appreciation to the sponsors, speakers, panelists, workshop facilitators, and attendees whose contributions helped bring the inaugural event to life.

"Great to spend time learning more about how AI is beginning to shape the future of business aviation. The technology is moving quickly, and the opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance the customer experience, and help our teams work smarter are exciting," said Geoff Heck, President and Chief Operating Officer of Aero Centers. "The key will be embracing the right tools while keeping people, service, and safety at the center of what we do."

The conversations initiated at AISBA will continue through future industry engagement and educational opportunities, including NATA's Aviation Business Conference in Denver this November, where Tuvoli's Greg Johnson will explore the air charter outlook and AI's evolving role in the industry.

"The conversations we started in Daytona Beach are only the beginning," Castagna added. "We look forward to building on this collaboration, connecting AISBA attendees with valuable resources and expertise, and ensuring that aviation businesses have a voice in how emerging technologies are evaluated, developed, and integrated into our industry."