Michigan Business Aviation Association Receives State Award

Sept. 24, 2014

The Michigan Business Aviation Association (MBAA) received the Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) Award of Excellence for its general aviation contributions in 2014.

The MAC recognizes the association for “working collaboratively to ensure the development and training of future aviation professionals,” along with its continued engagement and advocacy to ensure the health of business aviation in the state, the organization said on its website. Since 1990, the MAC has recognized individuals and organizations whose contributions have significantly improved facilities, operations or public relations for aviation in Michigan.

“The award is another recognition of MBAA’s involvement with the state government in order to elevate the importance of aviation to the state of Michigan,” said NBAA Midwest Regional Representative Bob Quinn.

“For the past 15 years, the 150-member organization has been working for a consistent, long-term revenue stream to support the state’s aviation infrastructure,” said MBAA Chairman John Hatfield. MBAA partners with Governmental Consultant Services Inc., its lobby team, and the Michigan Association of Airport Executives to advance its mission on behalf of aviation in Michigan.

“MBAA’s goal is to convert the traditional sales tax, which goes into the general fund, into a percentage of the wholesale tax on jet fuel that would go into the aeronautics fund,” Hatfield said. “Our bills made it through the House, and they are currently in the Senate. We’re excited they’re finally there. We are hopeful they will pass this year.

“We’ve been through the policymaking process a few times with specific legislation, but we still remain a little short of getting through to the governor for his signature into law,” Hatfield added.

The MAC award also recognized MBAA’s scholarship program, which has handed out more than $275,000 for training and tuition. Since its founding in 1998, MBAA has promoted business aviation as a career, and each year it bestows cash awards to students enrolled in one of the state’s four collegiate aviation programs.