Aerial Application Association of Australia chief executive Phil Hurst says the organisation’s recent name change better reflects the wide range of aviation businesses and pilots from both agricultural and firefighting sectors the organisation now represents.
Previously known as the Aerial Agriculture Association of Australia, the name change took place following AAAA’s July’s annual general meeting.
Hurst said the AAAA was adapting to the changing needs of its members, as it has done since it was founded in 1958.
“In addition to supporting farming clients by protecting crops, sowing seeds and applying fertilizer, the firefighting sector has emerged as an increasingly important sector in need of strong representation through a united voice,” Hurst said in a statement.
“AAAA’s track record of positive government relations, safety promotion, environmental protection and whole of life professional development means that both agricultural and firefighting companies and pilots are now able to support an association that is clearly focused on their needs.”
Meanwhile, Hurst said the AAAA’s recent aerial firefighting operators conference in Albury had been well supported and was likely to return in 2016.
