Feb. 26, 2021
Advocacy on behalf of the business aviation community takes center stage the first week in March, with NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen outlining the sector’s importance and agenda in two important events.
On Tuesday, March 2 at 10 a.m. (EST) Bolen will testify before the Aviation Subcommittee to the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee during a hearing titled, “COVID-19’s Effects on U.S. Aviation and the Flight Path to Recovery.”
At the hearing, Bolen will discuss the thousands of small general aviation (GA) businesses that support 1.2 million jobs, the significant disruptions they experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and future industry policy priorities
The U.S. aircraft maintenance industry alone lost 50,000 jobs due to the pandemic, and more than 80% of companies saw revenue declines, compared with 2019. GA airports suffered steep drop-offs to traffic and revenue – some by nearly 90% – and thousands of small and mid-size businesses generating $77 billion in annual labor income faced unprecedented headwinds.
Despite the daunting challenges from the pandemic, the GA community continues its commitment to COVID-19 relief efforts. While the Department of the Treasury, the FAA, the Small Business Administration and other agencies have provided much-needed relief for general aviation, more may be needed in the future to fully recover, Bolen will tell the committee.
View the “COVID-19’s Effects on U.S. Aviation and the Flight Path to Recovery” hearing live.
Virtual Business Aviation Town Hall
On Wednesday, March 3 at 1 p.m. (EST), Bolen welcomes FAA Administrator Steve Dickson for a Town Hall, demonstrating the association’s continued engagement with administration officials on legislative priorities and regulatory initiatives affecting the industry.
During the special NBAA News Hour presentation, Dickson and Bolen will discuss a variety of topics of importance to business aviation stakeholders, including the latest developments affecting the industry, including those stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other anticipated topics include greater adoption of safety management systems within business aviation, the industry’s work toward key sustainability goals and continued innovation in areas including advanced air mobility.
Register to attend the free Virtual Business Aviation Town Hall.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.