As we know, advocacy is at the heart of NBAA’s mission. In just the first half of this year, Congress and several federal agencies have focused on a variety of issues with implications for business aviation, underscoring the importance of effective representation.
The mid-year point offers an opportunity to report on these important developments, and NBAA’s work to advocate for your interests.
For example, a series of tragic accidents and troubling incidents has prompted a call to action on aviation safety. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled plans for air traffic control (ATC) transformation, including major investments in safety technologies.
NBAA was a featured organization at the DOT’s introduction of the plan, having joined with more than 50 aviation groups in a new, industrywide Modern Skies coalition, which supports proposals to modernize ATC without distracting debates over system privatization. Congress is considering wide-ranging budget-reconciliation legislation that includes funding for the DOT’s sought-after ATC upgrades, with NBAA’s strong support.
Speaking of Congress, safety was also the basis for a recent House committee hearing, during which I provided testimony highlighting business aviation’s long-standing leadership in advancing programs that identify root causes for accidents, and ways to reduce them.
Of course, aviation safety isn’t the only prominent matter on the Washington agenda. Significant developments have taken place on other key issues, including taxes, trade and tariffs.
“NBAA is working with other aviation groups to ensure the U.S. has a level playing field with trading partners, which is critical to our nation’s leadership in aviation and aerospace.”
On taxes, the comprehensive budget bill I previously mentioned also contains language to reinstate 100% immediate expensing on purchases of new and preowned aircraft. NBAA supports this provision, given its proven effectiveness in creating jobs and
helping companies using business aircraft have access to the competitive asset.
On trade and tariffs, NBAA is working with other aviation groups to ensure the U.S. has a level playing field with trading partners, which is critical to our nation’s leadership in aviation and aerospace.
The framework for that level playing field is codified in the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft. NBAA joined other stakeholders in welcoming the administration’s recent directive applying the agreement to aerospace tariffs between the U.S. and UK. We will work to encourage a return to its application to aerospace trade with other nations.
Also high on Washington’s agenda in 2025: policies addressing aviation technologies. Specifically, a series of recent Executive Orders welcomed by NBAA aims to foster development of American unmanned aircraft systems and use of advanced air mobility; support airspace safety and security; and usher in a new era of supersonic flight.
Equally important, the FAA is moving ahead on the nefarious use of technology to identify, track and broadcast business aircraft flights online. When the agency recently announced plans for new aircraft-owner data security protections, NBAA submitted public comments welcoming the safeguards and mobilized industry to comment as well.
Clearly, this year is shaping up as a pivotal one for business aviation in Washington. With continued member support, NBAA will always be doing its part to enact a policy agenda that supports an essential industry.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.