Business Aviation Leads Effort to Strengthen Industry’s Role in Washington State

Dec. 8, 2025

NBAA is helping lead a new chapter for business aviation in Washington state by bringing together an industry coalition to address recent legislative changes and foster stronger, more collaborative relationships with state leaders and communities.

The newly formed coalition is a powerhouse of industry advocates, including state and national NBAA members, the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association, allied national associations, local business owners and representatives from across the business aviation industry. This broad coalition reflects a shared commitment to ensure that aviation’s contributions to Washington’s economy and communities are well understood and valued.

The group’s primary mission, for now, is to champion an industry response to Senate Bill 5801, which passed late in the last state legislative session and imposes a burdensome tax on business aircraft owners and operators, many of whom are small and medium-sized local companies.

Citing the need to raise funds for sustainability efforts, the bill’s broad scope impacts aircraft sales, use and leasing. Although the tax will not take effect until April 1, its impact is already being felt, with some businesses reconsidering their presence in Washington state.

The measure, which passed with limited industry input, has raised significant concerns for business aviation and underscored the need for a unified voice from the business aviation community.

Recognizing the need for a coordinated response, NBAA has taken the lead in forming the new coalition, with a mission to communicate business aviation’s commitment to sustainability and its essential contribution to Washington’s economy and local communities.

“Sustainability is a driving force for NBAA and the broader aviation industry, as evidenced in our 2050 net-zero emission target and advocacy for sustainable aviation fuel,” said NBAA Regional Director Phil Derner.

“This coalition is intent on communicating that commitment, while also dispelling misconceptions and highlighting aviation’s positive contributions to environmental progress,” he added. “We are here to build a constructive relationship that incentivizes and empowers our industry to be a better participant in sustainability and a better neighbor in communities throughout the state, not just in the big cities.”

The coalition is working to open lines of communication with key partners,
including the sponsor of Senate Bill 5801, state Sen. Marko Liias, who has acknowledged the need for greater industry involvement in future legislative efforts.

The coalition also recently gathered close to 100 industry and community representatives at Paine Field (PAE) to discuss aviation’s needs in Washington state and hear from state Rep. Tom Dent, leader of the state’s aviation caucus and a strong industry advocate.

“Our conversations with lawmakers have created opportunities to share the industry’s perspective, highlight the broader effects of Senate Bill 5801 and explore ways to ensure that future policies support both sustainability and economic vitality,” said Derner.

“By resetting the business aviation community’s relationship, we intend to keep legislators and the public better informed on our industry’s commitment to Washington state, its economy and its environment.”