The aviation industry’s support for diversity, equity, and inclusion was showcased at the 2022 National Gay Pilots Association’s Winter Warm-Up and Industry Expo, held Feb. 10-13 in Palm Springs, California, according to association officials.
The event returned to Palm Springs after a nearly two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
A record 72 companies exhibited at the Expo, with many conducting one-on-one job interviews, officials noted.
In addition to hiring opportunities, the Expo held educational briefings and breakout sessions including general aviation operations, aviation medical fitness, individual financial planning, and aircraft ownership.
First time exhibitors included Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Flex Air, Jet Aviation, Kalitta Charters, Netjets, Ravn Alaska, Southwest, Textron Aviation, Wheels Up, and WinTrust Mortgage.
More than 1,400 attendees representing a broad cross section of the aviation industry and the global Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ) aviation community attended the Expo, they added.
Additionally, 84 students representing eight NGPA university chapters attended the education sessions and met with company representatives exploring careers in aviation.
“NGPA’s mission to build, support, and unite the LGBTQ aviation community in the U.S. and around the world was felt throughout this Expo,” said NGPA Chairman Steve Tustin. “We’re excited to launch a full year of connecting our community through our in-person and virtual gatherings.”
NGPA’s next face-to-face event will be the 2022 Cape Cod Classic, scheduled for Sept. 15-18 in Provincetown, Mass.
For more information: NGPA.org