As we know, the industry heads into 2025 with a new Congress and administration, offering a good moment to take stock of what last year’s elections and other developments mean for business aviation, with an eye toward potential challenges and opportunities.
Although this redefined political landscape includes some unknowns, the industry can still count on three basic realities. First, a new president was elected, and NBAA has been reaching out to understand the new administration’s priorities. Second, for the first time in nearly two decades, Republicans in the Senate have chosen a new leader to guide that chamber’s new GOP majority. Third, in the House, Republicans remain in the majority, still with a razor-thin margin.
Many issues the new Congress will tackle will be critical to business aviation’s success. Some will have the potential to help our community, while others could be cause for concern. In either scenario, our ability to define ourselves as an industry – in terms of who we are, where we are located and why we are essential to America’s economy and transportation system – will be fundamental to successfully navigating our way forward.
“… one of the most important pieces of legislation Congress will consider this year will be a major tax bill, with potential implications for an important industry priority: accelerated depreciation on the purchase of business aircraft.”
In fact, one of the most important pieces of legislation Congress will consider this year will be a major tax bill, with potential implications for an important industry priority: accelerated depreciation on the purchase of business aircraft. With your support, we will weigh in on that debate – and any other legislation involving business aviation – because we have the tools to effectively engage directly with Congress. We’ve done it many times before, leading to many successes, as reflected in last year’s passage of a bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill, which reflected a number of industry priorities.
Beyond our own borders, the future is equally complex. Our industry conducts business in an unpredictable world full of increasing geopolitical and technological challenges, including regional conflicts, technological intrusions and shifting operational requirements. These concerns make it more critical than ever for NBAA to offer guidance about mission planning and government policies that could significantly affect your operations.
Also this year, the global business aviation community will gather for the next International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Triennial Assembly in September. While ICAO may seem like a distant governing body, we know from previous triennials that proposals may be introduced that directly impact U.S. business aviation, and we need to be ready to represent your interests.
All of this puts a premium on focusing on policymaking centers not just in the U.S., but around the world. You can count on NBAA to keep doing that, while we continue to rely on you to mobilize on critical issues that affect the future of business aviation. By working together, your operation and the entire industry will continue to grow and thrive throughout 2025 and beyond.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.