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Business aviation contributes over $150 billion to the U.S. economy every year, and supports 1.2 million jobs. Most general aviation aircraft are manufactured, operated, serviced and maintained in the United States. In fact, business aircraft manufacture is one of the remaining sources of good manufacturing jobs in this country. It is also one of the few industries still contributing to the nation’s positive balance of trade. To learn more about the many ways business aviation benefits the nation's economy and companies of all sizes, all across the U.S., visit: NoPlaneNoGain.org.

This week, GAMA's board of directors recognized two unwavering general aviation advocates. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Representative Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) were recognized for careers marked by constant support for GA at a reception on Capitol Hill. "We owe both of these longtime supporters of general aviation a debt of gratitude", said GAMA's Pete Bunce. "We are losing two very strong and enthusiastic advocates whose support has brought about real progress on critical issues for our industry." View GAMA's press release on the recognition

The U.S. House and Senate recently passed resolutions recognizing the general aviation industry for coordinating relief missions to help victims of the January 12 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, and NBAA and GAMA continually work to highlight the industry's work in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake.

• NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said: "When natural disasters strike, the business aviation community snaps into action, delivering relief to people and communities in need. We thank Congress for recognizing the industry's important role in disaster-response with this resolution, and we applaud NBAA Members for their outpouring of generosity in the wake of the earthquake."
• GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said: "Business aircraft routinely ship food, medicine and clothing to people in need. Companies transport terminally ill patients or vital organs for life-saving medical procedures. We appreciate the recognition Congress has given to the important role business aviation often plays in humanitarian relief efforts." Review a press release on the Haiti resolution, and read copies of the Congressional statements.

The No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign has long targeted a message about the value of business aviation to a policymaking audience, and governors across the country are clearly hearing that message. State governors have issued a raft of proclamations in recent months lauding the value of all general aviation, including business aviation. Most recently, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire announced a proclamation declaring May "General Aviation Appreciation Month" in the state. The proclamation outlines the many benefits general aviation (GA) provides, including for businesses in the state. General aviation contributes over 178,000 jobs and approximately $3.18 billion in total economic impact to Washington. Read a web article and review the proclamation.

NBAA and GAMA have worked through the No Plane No Gain effort to promote the value of business aviation, and the Associations' Members now have additional grassroots resources to take the campaign's message to the local level. Want to highlight the value of your local community airport? There's a resource for that. Want to take action on a local legislative proposal that could impact your company's ability to fly? There's a resource for that. Want to educate local elected officials on the safety record for business aviation? There's a resource for that. View the new resources.