General Aviation Manufacturers Association Announces New Leadership

The GAMA board of directors announced that James Viola, currently the president and CEO of Vertical Aviation International (VAI), will assume the lead role in March.

“GAMA has an outstanding reputation as a leader across the international aerospace ecosystem, and I am honored and excited to work with GAMA’s members and team to further advance the critical interests and contributions of the aviation industry," Viola said in a statement. "I look forward to championing general aviation’s significant work to provide growth and opportunity for individuals and businesses, enable innovative and technological advancements for safety and efficiency, and support the economic development and welfare of communities across the globe."

Viola brings decades of aviation experience to the role. For the past four years in his position at VAI, he represented and supported the interests of the global helicopter industry and expanded the organization to recognize and support over vertical aviation stakeholders. This included rebranding the Helicopter Association International (HAI) to VAI to acknowledge the rapid expansion and technological evolution occurring in vertical aviation, GAMA said.

“James Viola has an incredible passion for general aviation and will do a remarkable job representing the interests of GAMA member companies and leading the tremendous GAMA staff," said Chuck Wiplinger, GAMA chair and president and CEO of Wipaire. "His military, flying and regulatory experience, along with his proven leadership of a renowned international aviation association, will make him an extremely effective advocate for the economic and societal contributions of the global general aviation industry."

Viola has more than 35 years of aviation experience, including more than 20 as a U.S. Army aviator, achieving the rank of colonel. He is an airline transport pilot and CFI for both helicopters and airplanes with more than 7,000 flight hours. He also holds several master’s degrees, including one in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College and one in international relations from Auburn University.

Prior to his stint at VAI, Viola spent over a decade with the FAA working on maintaining consistency and standardization in the application of safety oversight activities for GA.

“GAMA has been fortunate to have Pete Bunce leading GAMA for the past 20 years and we are confident that James will carry on and strengthen that foundation and work," said Eric Hinson, GAMA immediate past chair and president and CEO of Simcom International. "On behalf of the entire GAMA membership, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Pete, who has done a tremendous job over the last 20 years growing GAMA’s membership, broadening its policy and regulatory reach, honoring our nation’s veterans and being a staunch advocate for the industry,” 

Bunce joined GAMA in 2005, leading the organization through the economic crisis of 2008, the pandemic, and numerous FAA reauthorizations.

"Over the past two decades, I could not have asked to work for, and with, a more supportive board of directors and fellow GA association head colleagues," Bunce said. "I look forward to watching Jim take GAMA to new heights as our industry journeys into the most exciting time in aerospace since the dawn of the jet age."

Bunce said he will stay on to assist with the transition and shift to a special adviser until his official retirement date in April 2025.