The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) celebrated its 75th anniversary on December 28. It first organized in 1940 in response to efforts by the U.S. military to take control of all flight training and possibly private aviation itself in the U.S. amid the looming clouds of World War II.

The trade group, known originally as the National Aviation Training Association, has grown from 83 member companies at its inception, to nearly 2,300 today across the country. In addition to representing industry interests in Washington, it also established its industry-standard Safety 1^st line service training program and administers a workers' compensation insurance program among its products and services.

“Looking ahead, the future of NATA is bright as we embark on our next 75 years,” noted Thomas Hendricks, the organization’s president and CEO since 2012, adding he is honored to work with its staff, volunteers and members. “This is a winning combination that is going to ensure the voice of aviation business grows even stronger.”