“When people know flights will run on time and get them where they need to go, they choose OGS. That reliability is crucial for us to compete with larger airports in the region.” WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION Like the broader aviation industry, OGS faces challenges in staffing and workforce development. The shortage of pilots, mechanics, and ground staff is well-documented, and Garrelts sees education as the solution. “There aren’t enough schools with aviation degrees nearby, which makes it harder to attract companies to the area,” he explains.“So we’re taking the initiative to engage with local schools and introduce students to aviation careers.” These outreach efforts highlight not just piloting, but also the many other career paths available in aviation—maintenance, ground handling, security, and operations. Financial assistance programs for flight training are also being explored, making aviation more accessible to young people who might not otherwise consider it. 232 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 10
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