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Business aviation manufacturing is a major source of employment in this country, and is one of the few industries still contributing to the nation's positive balance of trade. A recent report, highlighted by GAMA, underscores this fact. The report, issued by the Brookings Institution, recognizes Wichita's "aviation cluster" as its main source of exports and points to Cessna's growth in exports of 166 percent between 2005 and 2008 to developing regions such as Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation experienced an increase in exports by more than 390 percent between 2004 and 2009 and accounted for approximately half of the company's sales in 2008 and 2009. The Brookings report points to only four metropolitan areas, including Wichita, which have doubled their exports during the preceding five years.

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: www.NoPlaneNoGain.org.

This week, GAMA welcomed a study by the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank, pointing to Wichita, KS - the home of Bombardier Learjet, Cessna Aircraft Company, and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation - as the leading U.S. city with respect to exports driving Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP). "This report underscores the critical role that general aviation airplane manufacturing needs to play if the Administration is to meet its goal of boosting exports," said Pete Bunce, GAMA's president and CEO. "We have lost a significant portion of our workforce during this economic downturn...It is essential that the Administration more fully embrace the general aviation industry and actively promote it as a significant contributor to economic prosperity and quality jobs in this country." Read GAMA's press release about the study and view the report in its entirety.

As the general aviation community gathered in Oshkosh, WI, this week for the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA's) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh event, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle (D) issued a proclamation declaring the week of July 26 as "Wisconsin Aviation Week," recognizing the essential role that all aviation, including business aviation, plays in the state. The proclamation notes that "studies have shown that 85% of new or expanded manufacturers in the state [are] located within 15 miles of a jet-capable airport," and that in Wisconsin, business aircraft improve citizens' quality of life "by providing vital emergency medical transportation," and enhancing public safety by "assisting law enforcement." These and the other benefits of business aviation highlighted in the proclamation echo the themes communicated through the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign. The Wisconsin proclamation follows a raft of similar declarations issued in states across the country. Read a press release and view the proclamation in its entirety.

For nearly a year, American icon and esteemed businessman Arnold Palmer has served as a voice for the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, educating Washington policymakers and opinion leaders about the value of business aviation to his Latrobe, PA company. Palmer's unmatched credibility and persuasive message have been attracting notice, as demonstrated at a "Meet the Administrator" held this week as part of the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA's) 2010 AirVenture Oshkosh event. FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt told session participants: "You can't get better as a spokesperson than Arnold Palmer...that's powerful." Read a web article about the session, and the discussion about the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign.