DelDOT’s summit brings aviators together, highlighting the future of the industry

DOVER, Del. – DelDOT bringing aviators together to talk all things aerospace.

“We haven’t had this event for over five years so today is a really great way for us to reconnect everyone in the aviation industry and rebuild some conversations and relationships again,” said Austin Gray, Planner and Manager of Aeronautics at DelDOT. 

The 2024 Delaware Aviation Summit taking flight Wednesday bringing aviators together across the first state. Delaware State University senior aviator, Jeremiah Skeete says aviation contributes so much to the first states economy. “Airports are able to support the aviation system where it comes with agriculture transportation, import, and so on, and so forth,” said Jeremiah Skeete.

And to keep the industry soaring, Skeete and DelDOT’s Austin Gray say some changes have to be made. “Along the lines of environmental impact whereas our aircraft are becoming more efficient, our processes are becoming more efficient, which allows us to have less waste less economic impact as well as environmental impact,” said Skeete. “Improving the safety of our systems so making the necessary infrastructure improve or improvements at our airports so that we can continue to move goods and people safely and efficiently,” said Gray. 

And the changes shouldn’t stop there, Skeete says the industry needs to evolve by becoming representative of the diverse workforce. “DSU is allowing black professionals and black aviators to show that we are enough and we are actually better and well qualified to be able to provide the professionalism the structure and security of aviation as any other pilot or aviation professional can,” said Skeete. 

Skeete says the changes coming down the pipeline are bigger than a simple plane. “Once Aviation is doing well as a country we’re doing well,” said Skeete.