Guide to Airlines and Aviation

Airline industry suppliers service a multi-billion dollar industry that shows no sign of ending anytime soon. Even though costs are high, air travel demand is still plenty because the aviation industry gives us one of the most time efficient, safest ways to travel long distances.

Airline industry financials are being hit by high fuel charges. So the airline industry is staying afloat by cutting back perks and passing costs on to the consumer. We still continue to travel because we have loved ones to visit, meetings to attend, and clients to service. The one thing that we ask from our airline industry suppliers, though, is to put our safety as their number one concern.

To find a quality aviation industry supplier to help you put your passengers first:

1. Keep abreast of airline industry trends.

2. Choose a airline industry supplier with a proven track record.

3. When speaking to your airlines and aviation supplier, ask to speak frankly with them about their safety records and product compliance with air transport regulation.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Address airline industry financials

Profit is, or at least it should be, the bottom line for your company, and cutting back on luxury items such as points, snacks, and other amenities, is now common.

I recommend: Work with a consulting firms like Eclat Consulting, Mazro and SkyVantage Consulting, to address what cutbacks can be made without sacrificing quality or safety.

Network in the field of airlines and aviation

Network with other suppliers and vendors. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The worst someone can say is no, so if you have a question or concern, ask it. Look at up to date websites on B2B markets for airlines and attend industry conferences and gatherings.

I recommend: Investopedia, a Forbes Media Company, has a great up-do-date site on the airline industry. Check out the top aviation stories at AirWise.Com. Find out about the latest conferences through Aviation Week.

Stay knowledgeable of airline industry safety regulations

Suppliers to the airline industry, as well as their buyers, should knowledgeable about the risks and safety precautions necessary in the airline industry.

I recommend: Find out how OSHA works with the aviation industry. Check out air safety stats from the Air Travel Association.

Shop only with accredited airline industry suppliers

Ask your supplier what industry accreditation they have.

I recommend: Find out if they are members of the International Air Transport Association, or find out if their product is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• If your business is the transportation of people or supplying to the businesses who transport people, keep safety and compliance to the forefront of your marketing and PR efforts. Knowing that our well being is looked after by your companies garners a confidence that you can't put a dollar amount on.

The official source of Airlines and Aviation is the Airlines and Aviation page at Business.com