NATA and NBAA Congratulate James Viola as New GAMA President and CEO

Both the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) have welcomed James “Jim” Viola as the incoming president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). He succeeds Peter “Pete” Bunce, who has led the organization since 2005. 

“GAMA has chosen a proven leader and strong general aviation advocate in the selection of Jim Viola,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We have an outstanding relationship with Jim, and look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”

"NATA congratulates James Viola on his appointment as incoming President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). An industry legend like Pete Bunce is a very hard act to follow, but Jim is capable and up to the task. Jim's aviation and agency experience, combined with his passion for safety and focus on moving the industry forward, are crucial to continuing the organizational growth, sustainability advancements, and aviation innovation shepherded by Pete for the past few decades at the helm of GAMA," stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. "NATA looks forward to continuing our partnership for business aviation progress with Jim under his new leadership role at GAMA and we join our industry colleagues in saluting general aviation's stalwart champion, Pete Bunce." 

Viola comes to GAMA from Vertical Aviation International (VAI), where he has served as president and CEO since January 2020. Before that, Viola held a senior leadership position at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), serving in the agency’s Office of Aviation Safety as its director of general aviation safety assurance. 

There, Viola oversaw 78 FAA Flight Standards District Offices and 2,500 employees across the United States. He also served as government representative on both the International Helicopter Safety Team and the United States Helicopter Safety Team.

Bolen also expressed gratitude to Pete Bunce, who has announced plans to retire in April 2025. “Pete is a remarkable leader - respected, strong and effective,” Bolen said. “It has been a joy to work closely with him over the course of the past two decades. We wish Pete well as he sets a course for the next horizon.”  

Bunce was named GAMA’s president and CEO in April 2005, succeeding Bolen at the helm of the group representing general aviation airframe, avionics, powerplant and other industry original equipment manufacturers.