Business Aviation Essential to Local Economies and National Interest
Business aviation plays a critical role in driving economic growth, jobs and investment across the U.S.
- Business aviation means more than 1.2 million manufacturing ans service jobs in the United States. It is part of a general aviation industry that contribuites more than $150 billion to our economy each year and contributes positively to our nation's balance of trade. Read more.
- Business aviation is an economic lifeline for thousands of communities. There are more than 5,000 public use airports in the United States, and fewer than 500 have commercial airline server, making business aviation vital. Business avaition serves communities with declining airline service. In 2008, over 100 communites in in the United States lost some or all scheduled airline service.
- Business aviation helps businesses of all sizes be efficient and productive. Read more.
- Business aviation helps respond to emergencies and provide humanitarian relief.
Related Resources
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Business Aviation: A Vital Part of America’s Economy and Transportation System
- Contributing significantly to the national economy, state and local economies, business aviation is often an economic lifeline for areas with limited options for business transportation. Business aviation also provides vital air transportation in times of public need, including fire and rescue and medical evacuation services, and represents an essential transportation link for communities without scheduled airline service. Read more.
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The Real World of Business Aviation
- Business aviation is a diverse composite of entrepreneurs and organizations – nonprofits and companies of all sizes – located in all parts of the United States, often in small towns and rural areas.
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Business Aviation Airports: A Contrast to the Commercial Airline Hubs
- Most operators of business aircraft do not use the busiest commercial airports, preferring instead to fly in and out of “reliever” airports, which often are not served by commercial airlines. The ability to use these smaller, less-congested facilities is key to the value and flexibility of business aviation aircraft.
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Alliance for Aviation Across America
- Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 4,400 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.
Related News
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New Utah Airport a Magnet for Businesses
- Feburary 2, 2012
The opening of new St. George Municipal Airport (SGU) in St. George, UT is being met with great enthusiasm by business leaders, who are attracted to the possibility of getting employees in and out of the area without car travel to and from a distant major city. Economic development planners are also welcoming the airport's potential for generating jobs and investment in the local area. "I can tell you that our new airport is really well-situated to help us with economic development," said Mayor Dan McArthur. Learn more.
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Two Governors Call on President to Support Business Aviation
- January 27, 2012
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin (R) and New Hampshire Governor John Lynch (D) have written to President Obama asking for his support for all of general aviation, including business aviation. The governors' letters remind the president of the industry's essential role in supporting job creation, helping companies of all sizes compete and succeed, and connecting communities to global markets. The two governors' letters come in the wake of a message from the White House reiterating the administration's support for per-flight user fees for GA. They were sent at the request of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, which counts more than 5,500 individuals and organizations in its membership, including NBAA. Learn more and read the governors' letters to President Obama.
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EagleMed King Air Saves Lives of Critically Injured in Upstate South Carolina
- January 20, 2012
Medical professionals say that getting a critically injured person proper care within an hour – called “the golden hour” – is often the difference between life and death for accident victims with severe injuries. Unfortunately, until last month, the golden hour was not a realistic timeframe for injured people in upstate South Carolina to access specialized critical medical care; instead, getting access to treatment required either a drive of several hours to a larger city or a long wait for an ambulance aircraft dispatched from neighboring states. Now, the notion of quickly getting to a treatment facility is a reality, thanks to a Beech King Air C90 turboprop airplane added to Greenville's Downtown Airport (GMU) by EagleMed, LLC on December 16. Read more.
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Study: Massachusetts Airport Contributes $51.4 Million Annually
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January 6, 2012
In a recent study, Massachusetts state officials revealed that Worcester Regional Airport – which handles predominantly general aviation traffic, including business aircraft – contributes $51.4 million a year to the economy of central Massachusetts. "Business aviation is a significant contributor to the economic impact of Worcester Regional Airport," said Massachusetts Director of Aviation Chris Willenborg. Learn More.
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Barnstable Municipal Airport 'Worth Millions' to Community
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December 14, 2011
A recent report by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) shows the total annual economic impact of Barnstable Municipal Airport on Cape Cod, Massachusetts as more than $227 million, including 2,246 jobs supported by the airport with a total payroll just shy of $75 million. "Some businesses likely wouldn't have located here if it wasn't for the airport," said Jessica Sylver, CEO of the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce. "It's worth millions to our communities." Learn More.
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Wasilla Mayor Defends Business Aviation in Alaska
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December 8, 2011
After reading about his U.S. senator's recent plea to President Obama to set aside a punitive user-fee proposal for business aviation, Wasilla, AK Mayor Verne Rupright felt compelled to echo the sentiment in a letter to one of the state's newspapers. Rupright's letter, published in the December 7 edition of the Juneau Empire, seconded Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski's Nov. 28 call for Obama to reconsider a per-flight user fee he introduced earlier this year. In his letter, Rupright points out "the huge potential harm of a new user fee tax on businesses and groups that rely on GA, particularly for communities throughout Alaska. General aviation, including business aviation, supports about 10,000 jobs and generates about $400 million for the state's economy. Learn More.
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Study: Massachusetts Airports Drive $11.9B, 124,000 Jobs
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November 22, 2011
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick unveiled earlier this month a major economic impact study that shows public use airports in the Bay State generate nearly $12 billion in economic activity and support about 124,000 jobs. "Infrastructure investments just like these create jobs and improve public safety," said Governor Patrick. "New Bedford Airport is one of many great examples of the importance of aviation facilities to our economic strength." Learn More.
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New Study In Houston Finds: No Plane, No Gain
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October 24, 2011
A new study by GRA, Inc. and the University of Houston shows just how vital airports are in a city’s overall financial picture. GRA, Inc. Vice President Richard Golaszewski said his study establishes a strong link between the aviation infrastructure in Houston and its ability to attract both international visitors and international trade. With three strong airports – two of them having major general aviation components – Craig said Houston is well established as an aviation enterprise city. The city’s airports contributed more than $27.5 billion to the regional economy last year and provided jobs for more than 47,000 people. Learn More.
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FAA Examines Ways to Better Communicate Importance of Small Airports
- July 20, 2011
The term "general aviation airport" can include so many varying activities that even the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants to better describe the function of the nation's nearly 3,000 "non-primary" airports. "The aviation community will benefit if the industry and FAA can better communicate to the public and elected officials the value and role of the myriad essential functions that take place every day at these airports," said Jeff Gilley, NBAA director of airports & ground infrastructure. NBAA has participated workshops on the topic hosted by FAA officials. Learn More.
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Industry Professional Honored As Outstanding Texas Business Leader
- November 25, 2011
The founder and president of an NBAA-Member Texas aircraft brokerage has been selected as one of the Great Women of Texas “Women of Influence” for 2011. Janine Iannarelli, founder and president of Houston-based Par Avion Ltd was one of 18 women chosen for the award by the Fort Worth Business Press. “The extensive professional network I have built through membership in NBAA and other industry organizations,” Iannarelli said, “enables me to be an important source for business aviation transportation solutions.” Learn more. -
Business Aviation Mobilizes Hurricane Irene Relief
- September 2, 2011
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, volunteers from the business aviation community – often in single- or twin-engine piston airplanes – have been flying relief missions to communities in the Bahamas. Many have also registered with NBAA's Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator (HERO) database to help out in the American Northeast. "I'm very proud that there are so many people in business aviation involved," said Bob Showalter, head of an Orlando FBO, who's flown several missions in his 1974 Aztec. Read more about Hurricane Irene relief efforts. - July 14, 2011
Individuals and organizations outside the business aviation community continue to weigh in with concerns about President Obama's recent negative public comments about the use of business aircraft. Ten mayors in six states and the leader of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council this week added their voices to the chorus of opposition to the president's mischaracterization of the industry. Learn more. -
Bolen Discusses President's Attempt to Vilify Business Aviation
- June 30, 2011
In an interview immediately following President Obama's June 29 press conference, in which the president repeatedly vilified business aviation, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen discussed the response he's been sharing with news outlets across the country. "[The president] just simply perpetuated a caricature of business aviation that is at odds with the reality of how this industry operates in the United States." In the wake of the president's remarks, NBAA has conveyed the same message to news outlets including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Bloomberg News, CNBC, CBS Marketwatch and a host of others. Read the article or listen to the NBAA Flight Plan podcast interview. Business Aviation Continues Relief Flights to Tornado-Ravaged Joplin, MO
- June 1, 2011
For victims of tornado-ravaged Joplin, MO, the steady stream of business airplanes with life-saving supplies has been like an airlift from heaven. Attorney Robert McKenzie with the Chicago law firm of Arnstein and Lehr, LLP, said the air lift provided by his company and several other Chicago-area businesses was assembled in less than 24 hours. “Business airplanes are meant to get company personnel from point to point quickly – when used for disaster relief, that advantage is magnified.” McKenszie shares his first-hand account in a special edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast. Learn more. -
Grassroots Alliance Advocates for Aviation at Local Events
- April 4, 2011
What would bring organizations as disparate as the National Farmers Union, Management Association of Private Photogrammetric Surveyors and the West Virginia Coal Association together in common cause? Promoting the value of general aviation, of course. That's the goal of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, which has recently been represented at a host of local events across the country to promote awareness of the industry's value. NBAA is a member of the Alliance, as are a number of other general aviation groups. Learn more. - March 30, 2011
A video spotlighting the generosity of businesses in flying wounded U.S. veterans to medical appointments or other events was posted on March 28 to the popular cable channel CNNMoney.com, in its “Conscious Capitalism” series. Walter Fricke, executive director of the all-volunteer Veterans Airlift Command (VAC), explains that VAC coordinates some 1,800 pilots and aircraft owners nationwide who provide the no-cost transportation for wounded and disabled veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Learn more. - January 25, 2011
It’s usually in the dark of night, on just a few minute’s notice and sometimes in the worst flying weather that business aircraft take off to collect transplantable human organs. NBAA Member company Venture Aviation in Greenville, SC is one of the leaders among organ transportation companies. “Since operators like Venture Aviation have organized donation flights, literally thousands of lives in the U.S. have been saved,” said Mark Johnson of Life Point South Carolina, which helps coordinate organ transplants. Learn more . -
Video Promotes Business Aviation's Lift For Veterans
- January 21, 2011
American businesses donate thousands of mercy flights every year to people in need and many companies are looking to do even more. A heart-warming video released this month shows how companies with business airplanes can support disabled veterans' participation in an annual event honoring their bravery and sacrifice, called "Impact a Hero." Equally important, the video, produced by NBAA Member Universal Weather & Aviation, educates viewers about the broader benefits of business aircraft to citizens, companies and communities nationwide. Learn more and view the video. -
In Westchester County, Planes = Gains
- May 24, 2010
Governors in Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, North Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington state have all issued decrees echoing the No Plane No Gain campaign themes in underscoring the importance to transportation and economic development. Last week, New York's Westchester County offered a local proclamation during a meeting of the Westchester Airport Association, at which NBAA staff were in attendance. Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said at the meeting that local companies use business aircraft "to shrink the distance between them and their customers - whether the customers are located out of the state, or out of the country." Read an article about the Westchester County proclamation. -
Congress Salutes Business Aviation's Haiti Relief Work
- May 17, 2010
The U.S. House and Senate recently passed resolutions recognizing the business aviation community for coordinating relief missions to help victims of the earthquake that ravaged the island nation of Haiti. The measures specifically mention how business aircraft were vital to the response effort, transporting cargo, supplies and medical specialists to affected areas, and delivering victims to hospitals for treatment. The value of business aviation in providing relief to people and communities in crisis is a central theme of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign. -
NBAA Applauds Inclusion of Business Aviation in DOT Planning Group
- May 17, 2010
NBAA commended U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's recent announcement that a committee formed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to chart the future of the U.S. aviation industry includes representation from the business aviation community. The DOT committee has selected Cessna Aircraft Company President and CEO Jack Pelton to represent general aviation, including business aviation. The committee was established to provide recommendations to LaHood on the needs, challenges and opportunities present as the U.S. continues modernization planning. To learn more, visit www.dot.gov/faac. -
No Plane No Gain: WA Recognizes General Aviation Value
- May 10, 2010
Washington Governor Christine Gregoire recently announced a statewide proclamation declaring May "General Aviation Appreciation Month" in the state. The proclamation outlines the critical role general aviation (GA) plays in business, agriculture, emergency medical air- service and the overall economy – all benefits highlighted through the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign jointly sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. General aviation contributes over 178,000 jobs and approximately $3.18 billion in total economic impact to Washington alone. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen welcomed the proclamation: "It is great to see Washington join other states in recognizing the value of general aviation to their communities and economies." Read the full story about the Washignton proclamation. -
Congress Recognizes Business Aviation Relief Efforts in Haiti
- May 10, 2010
Last week, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution, S.Con.Res. 61, that recognized the general aviation industry for its work to coordinate relief missions to help victims of the January 12 earthquake that ravaged the island nation of Haiti. The measure passed the Senate unanimously. It specifically mentions how business aircraft were vital to the response effort, bringing in cargo and supplies, and transporting passengers. The House is expected to pass the resolution this week. The value of business aviation in providing relief to people and communities in crisis has been a central theme of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, and NBAA continually works to highlight the industry's work in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. Read the Senate resolution and more. -
NBAA Highlights Value of Business Aviation at U.S. Chamber and GA Caucus Events
- May 3, 2010
At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 9th Annual Aviation Summit, an annual industry policy event held on April 28 in Washington, DC, NBAA Senior Vice President, Government Affairs Lisa Piccione spoke before top experts and leaders from all sectors of aviation about the essential role business aviation plays in creating jobs, providing a lifeline to small communities, helping companies of all sizes be more productive and efficient, and delivering emergency relief to people in need - all core themes of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign. In talking with U.S. congressional representatives and staff at a separate General Aviation Caucus event at the U.S. Capitol the same day, Piccione also stressed the importance of business aviation to the nation's economy and provided an update on the No Plane No Gain campaign's progress. Learn more about No Plane No Gain efforts at www.noplanenogain.org. -
Tennessee Proclaims General Aviation ‘Active and Vital’
- April 21, 2010
Tennessee is the latest state to issue a proclamation highlighting the value of all GA, including business aviation. Other states to do so have included West Virginia, Kansas, Vermont and Georgia. The proclamation issued today noted that "...The use of general aviation by businesses and Tennesseans are directly tied to the future growth and prosperity of the state." Learn more. -
GAMA, NBAA Tell Washington Aviation Forum Attendees: ‘No Plane No Gain’
- April 1, 2010
Dozens of state aviation officials were the latest to hear from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) about the value of business aviation to citizens, companies and communities across the U.S. Learn more. -
Insider Tells the Story of Business Aviation's Mission to Haiti
- March 29, 2010
Following the January 12 earthquake that struck the island nation of Haiti, it became clear that business aviation could help solve the transportation challenges confronting federal government agencies and nongovernmental relief organizations. The latest edition of Business Aviation Insider tells the inspiring story of how NBAA Members, recognizing the severity of the Haiti crisis, responded generously with an outpouring of offers for support. Review the article "Mission to Haiti: Business Aviation Lends a Helping Hand." -
CARE Promotes Industry's Haiti Missions in DC
- March 25, 2010
Representatives from NBAA and the all-volunteer crisis-response group, Corporate Aircraft Responding in Emergencies (CARE), were in Washington, DC last week to meet with policymakers and opinion leaders on and off Capitol Hill to detail the business aviation community's outpouring of support for efforts to help those impacted by the January 12 earthquake that struck the island nation of Haiti. CARE volunteers attended a Capitol Hill luncheon featuring humanitarian GA organizations, and met with several members of Congress, as well as Administration officials and others. Learn more about CARE. -
News Archives
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Rep. Graves, GA Caucus Respond to Negative Small-Airport Coverage
- September 28, 2009
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NBAA Applauds House Resolution Saluting General Aviation
- July 28, 2009
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Business Aviation Makes Sense
- January 28, 2009
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NBAA Resource Helps Members Advocate for Business Aviation
- January 26, 2009
Download the resource (220KB, PDF) -
NBAA Responding to Recent News Coverage of Business Aviation
- In light of recent publicity surrounding Congressional hearings about certain companies’ use of business aviation, NBAA has fielded inquiries from news organizations about what business aviation is and how it is used in the U.S. To clear up any misperceptions, NBAA has provided the questions most often asked of the Association, with responses that lay out the facts to explain how business aviation helps companies of all sizes remain nimble, competitive and successful, especially in a difficult economic climate.
