May 13, 2026
The partnership between local and regional business aviation groups and NBAA is vital in advocating for policies that allow business aviation to grow and thrive.
That was the message from NBAA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Kristie Greco Johnson to attendees at the 17th annual Florida Aviation Business Association conference, held May 12 in Tampa, FL.
“There’s strength in numbers,” said Johnson. “Engaging business aviation professionals nationwide on federal policy developments – and aligning on industry priorities – is essential to our collective success.”
Johnson, along with National Air Transportation Association Vice President of Government Affairs Karen Mineau-Huggard, provided a Washington Update to detail recent advocacy wins for the industry, including progress being made on air traffic control (ATC) modernization.
NBAA sits on the steering committee of the Modern Skies Coalition – a broad industry group of more than 60 stakeholders focused on building a brand-new ATC system. So far, $12.5 billion has been allocated by Congress as a downpayment toward needed upgrades in facilities and equipment, as well as growth of the controller workforce.
Johnson also noted other recent Washington developments that have implications for the business community including:
Tariffs: The trade levies introduced in 2025 had the potential to be very disruptive to aviation, a global sector. As part of her Washington report, Johnson noted the Supreme Court’s recent ruling striking down the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act as the basis for tariffs.
Given that some NBAA member companies are seeking reimbursements for the economic impact incurred, Johnson pointed to an authoritative resource – NBAA’s members-only Tariff-Reimbursement Guide – which provides insights from leading trade and aircraft transaction experts on tariff reimbursements, and explains what you need to do to get your refund, as well as answers key questions about the process. Along with the guide, Johnson shared an NBAA Instant Insight installment, available on NBAA’s Youtube channel, featuring expert commentary on tariff reimbursements.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Services: Johnson noted that Congress has recently found a temporary resolution to this year’s ongoing debate over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, thereby preserving for now the services provided by DHS agencies, including CBP.
Given that the CBP’s dedicated general aviation facilities are required for international business aviation missions- and that Florida is home to a large number of those facilities for companies conducting overseas flights – Johnson noted that an important NBAA tool – the association’s members-only GA Airport Fact Sheet resource – had recently been updated so that all information about U.S. CBP GA facilities is updated in real time. an authoritative information clearinghouse designed to support international travel
Lastly, Johnson discussed the industry’s CLIMING.FAST. campaign, which highlights the many societal benefits of business aviation, including its 1.3 million jobs and $340 billion in economic impact. NATA and 16 other U.S. and international organizations are partner stakeholders with NBAA in the CLIMING.FAST. program. The campaign has highlighted Florida’s role in supporting business aviation jobs and working to become a leader in next-generation, emissions free air transport – both of which exemplify the industry’s essential role in Florida and across the country.
“Through the CLIMING.FAST. campaign, we can unite every level of our community to create one voice that champions the vital role business aviation plays in society,” Johnson said.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.