Those of us at Lindbergh Aircraft Tug Co. wish all of you a Happy and Prosperous New Year. In America, the first weeks of a new year always seem to bring unrivaled optimism and 2010 is no different. Despite the difficult struggles of 2009, a recent AP poll found that 82% of Americans believe that 2010 will bring good fortune to them and their families, even though fewer than half believe their finances will improve during the coming year. Americans are only slightly less optimistic about the country’s future. Some 72% of Americans expressed optimism that 2010 would be a better year for the U.S. This despite the fact that 75% of those polled considered 2009 an unmitigated disaster both personally and for the nation. As they say, hope springs eternal.
Even the grim picture economic analysts painted for the airline industry just months ago seems to be showing positive glimmers of change. Aviation industry experts may not be quite as optimistic as the average American, but 2010, despite recent security issues, is expected to see travelers returning to America’s friendly skies. Some of the optimism in the aviation industry is generated not by a return to business as usual — generally defined as before economic freefall — but by positive, constructive changes in the industry brought about by economic necessity.
Some of those positive changes include:
- Greater cooperation between airports, airlines and ground services to the benefit of all.
- Small airports and FBOs holding on to service remote areas of the country despite financial difficulties.
- The federal government’s move toward protecting worker health and safety by requiring ergonomic equipment and processes.
Last but not least, recognition for unbridled optimism must go to Richard Branson for his launch of Virgin Galactic and plans to construct the planet’s first spaceport — Spaceport America — in New Mexico. To infinity and beyond!
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