May 5, 2025
With a controversial new tax against business aircraft in the Evergreen State now one step closer to reality, NBAA urges business aircraft operators to make their voices heard in opposition to the measure.
If signed into law, Washington Senate Bill 5801 would levy an additional 10% tax on so-called “luxury recreational vessels” valued above $500,000, as part of a broader effort to bolster the state’s transportation infrastructure.
The bill defines such vessels to include non-commercial aircraft in addition to high-end motor homes and boats. SB 5801 has been approved by the Washington legislature and now awaits Gov. Bob Ferguson’s signature.
With a decision imminent, NBAA issued an alert through its Voter Voice online advocacy tool to assist members and industry stakeholders in urgently calling for Ferguson to remove the “luxury aircraft tax” from SB 5801.
Make your voice heard through NBAA’s Grassroots Action Center.
In an April 28 letter signed by NBAA and five additional industry groups, stakeholders urged the governor to utilize his line-item veto power to strike the aviation-related tax provisions from the measure. Read the letter to Gov. Ferguson.
“While we recognize the budget challenges facing the state, this provision would have sweeping, unintended consequences for Washington’s economy, transportation network, and public safety and healthcare services,” the letter read.
The letter also noted the new tax on aircraft ownership would harm the state’s flight training and emergency medical transport providers, agricultural operations and maintenance and repair facilities, as well as Washington-based companies of all sizes that rely on business aircraft.
“[This tax] is also a direct threat to diverse, working families, as general and business aviation supports over 31,000 jobs and economic output of $8.6 billion across Washington, and would exacerbate inequities in accessing reliable, well-paying aviation careers,” the letter continued. “Our operations also contribute to the support of 407,000 airport jobs in Washington State.”
The industry’s impact is further expressed by the diverse signatories to the letter, which in addition to NBAA include Angel Flight West, Corporate Angel Network, the National Air Transport Association (NATA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and Vertical Aviation International (VAI).
“General and business aviation are essential to Washington’s economy, public safety, healthcare access, agricultural success, and community connectivity,” the letter concluded. “We stand ready to work with you and your team on sustainable solutions that support Washington’s economic and environmental goals without jeopardizing critical aviation operations.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.