Business aviation is the use of any “general aviation” aircraft for a business purpose. The Federal Aviation Administration defines general aviation as all flights that are not conducted by the military or the scheduled airlines. As such, business aviation is a part of general aviation that focuses on the business use of airplanes and helicopters.
The business aviation community consists of companies of all sizes that rely on many different types of aircraft – from single-pilot airplanes, to turbine aircraft that fly internationally, to helicopters that survey rush-hour traffic – and the fixed-base operations and many other services that support flight operations at the nation’s 5,000 public-use airports. The vast majority of businesses in this community – 97 percent – are small- to mid-size businesses and other entities including nonprofit organizations. The tens of thousands of businesses in the business aviation community are:
Diverse
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. Business aircraft can range from helicopters to fixed-wing turbine or propeller airplanes, with the prop- and turboprop-driven categories composing the majority of America’s business aviation fleet.
To see the range of business aviation operators, Review NBAA member profiles.
Safe and Secure
The business aviation community and the federal government have adopted many security measures to harden the industry against terrorist threats. NBAA works to ensure that the businesses in its membership have secure and reliable access to airspace and airports across the country.
Learn more about business aviation safety.
Economic Drivers, Essential to the National Interest
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.
Learn more about the economic impact of business aviation.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.