Shown above L to R: Ashley Bowen Cook, Outgoing Board Chair, WAC; Fred Berry, Founder, Berry Companies; Nicole Alexander, President, WAC.

This past weekend, I had the privilege of being co-emcee of Wichita Aero Club’s annual Trophy Gala. The evening was filled with celebration, reflection, and excitement for what lies ahead, but it was also a night to honor one truly deserving individual: Fred Berry.

As the founder of Berry Companies, Fred’s leadership has guided it to national prominence, and his integration of corporate aviation has been crucial to that success. Having owned and operated more than two dozen aircraft throughout his career, Fred has seen firsthand how aviation can propel a business forward. His belief in Wichita and his role in cultivating the city’s aviation legacy through the Berry Foundation is something that has touched many lives. His work is a true testament to the spirit of generosity, innovation, and leadership that defines Wichita, and it was an honor to present him with this recognition.

Reflecting on Tragedy

While we came together with the joy of celebrating a lifetime of achievement it was mixed with the deep sadness of the tragic events earlier in the week. We acknowledged all those affected by American Eagle flight 5342, which crashed on its way from Wichita to Washington, D.C. The more than 250 people in attendance took a moment of silence to honor the passengers and crew, the Army service members, families, first responders, and our friends at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. This devastating event touched the lives of so many in our community, and we stand in solidarity with all those impacted.

A Personal Farewell: Ending My Term as Board Chair

While Fred’s recognition was a highlight of the evening, it was also a personal moment for me as I concluded my term as Wichita Aero Club board chair. Serving in this role has been an incredible honor and privilege. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with so many talented and passionate people, all dedicated to promoting Wichita’s aviation legacy.

From educational programs to networking events, our community has always come together to support one another and foster innovation. Although it’s bittersweet to step down, I’m excited to continue supporting the Aero Club as a member. I’m confident that the club’s legacy will continue to thrive, and I look forward to watching it grow under new leadership.

A Bright Future: Tracee Friess Takes the Helm

As I pass the baton to Tracee Friess, Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing for Industry and Defense Programs at Wichita State University, I know I’m leaving the Aero Club in trusted hands. She brings a wealth of experience in aviation and community engagement, and I have no doubt she’ll continue to build on the foundation we’ve laid. Her commitment to the success of the Aero Club and to Wichita’s aviation community will help us continue to shape the future of the industry. With Tracee at the helm, I’m confident that the Aero Club will continue to be a hub of innovation and a place where leaders from all sectors of aviation can come together.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my time as board chair, I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished, and I’m excited about the bright future. Wichita’s aviation community is a shining example of what happens when people come together with a shared purpose. We are well-positioned to continue advancing the aviation industry and keeping Wichita at the forefront.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. I look forward to continuing to support the Wichita Aero Club and our aviation community in the years to come. Here’s to the future of Wichita aviation!

For years, social media experts have predicted the rise of video content for visual storytelling. Videos are no longer optional—they’re an essential tool for aviation brands to connect with their audience. Whether you’re an airline, fractional program or MRO, Instagram Reels should be a central part of your digital marketing strategy.

Instagram’s evolution as a platform for dynamic, short-form video content presents a unique opportunity for brands to show off what makes them soar above the competition. With the algorithm favoring Reels – short videos of 90 seconds or less – brands have a powerful opportunity to engage travelers, recruit crew members and pitch B2B clients in new and creative ways.

Instagram Reels: A Crucial Part of Your 2025 Aviation Marketing Strategy

Instagram Reels now dominate the platform, and for good reason. Over 50% of users’ time on Instagram is spent watching Reels, which account for over 38% of all feed content. This format isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s an essential driver of engagement. Aviation brands can leverage Reels to give followers an inside look into the world of aviation – whether it’s showcasing luxury flights, behind-the-scenes glimpses of pilots and cabin crews, or breathtaking aerial footage that will leave travelers dreaming about their next journey.

Why Your Brand’s Story Matters

Consumers today want to connect with brands that represent more than just a mode of transportation. They seek brands that align with their values, offer transparency, and provide an experience that transcends the flight itself. 

Reels allow aviation brands to tell their story authentically. That could be about the legacy of your airline, the innovation behind your private jet services, or the meticulous craftsmanship of your equipment. By sharing customer testimonials or employee features to build trust, your brand can establish deeper connections with its audience.

Video is undeniably the best way to “stop the scroll” – and this is where Instagram Reels truly shine for aviation brands. The beauty of Reels lies in their versatility. You can pair them with trending sounds, music, and captions that reinforce your messaging. Aviation brands need to craft videos that not only capture attention but also resonate with their audience’s desires – promoting convenience, refined travel or adventure.

The Opportunity: Curate and Create for Success 

If you’re not sure where to start, begin by researching how other brands are using Reels. Study what kinds of content are trending – imagine captivating travel destinations, aircraft features, or customer experiences – and think about how you can adapt them to highlight your brand’s unique offerings. You can create Reels that showcase how your airline prioritizes customer comfort, how your private jet services go above and beyond, or share breathtaking visuals of destinations that your customers can experience.

Remember, the goal is to create authentic, visually appealing content that aligns with your brand’s mission and speaks to your audience’s travel aspirations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches. Showcase destinations, aircraft tours, or educational how-to posts. Each video is a chance to tell your brand’s unique story, from its values to the people behind it.

Why Partner with Greteman Group 

In a competitive aviation market, creating standout Reels that truly grab your audience requires creativity, strategy, and consistency. It’s not enough to simply jump on the latest trend—you need to ensure that every video tells a story and resonates with your followers.

With expertise in crafting purpose-driven social media strategies, Greteman Group specializes in helping brands fly high on Instagram. Whether you’re an airline, private jet service, or aviation-related business, we know how to harness the power of Reels to elevate your brand, engage your audience, and drive growth.

Instagram Reels can become your most effective marketing tool in 2025. Let us help you create a content strategy that captures your audience’s attention, builds lasting relationships, and turns your brand’s story into a powerful tool for engagement and growth.

Ready to give your Instagram presence lift? Let’s work together to create Reels that resonate with your audience and gain altitude for your brand’s reach.