As this edition of Business Aviation Insider goes to print, the industry is readying for NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), Oct. 14-26 in Las Vegas.
More than just a meeting, the convention provides a powerful reminder of business aviation’s vital role in America’s economy and transportation system – an inspiring showcase featuring aircraft of all kinds, hundreds of different companies, a countless number of products and services, and thousands of talented and dedicated professionals in attendance.
We know that the industry’s importance is continually highlighted by independent sources. Earlier this year, a PricewaterhouseCoopers study commissioned by NBAA and others concluded that business aviation supports 1.3 million jobs and $340 billion in economic activity in the U.S. each year.
“Unfortunately, we also know business aviation is often mischaracterized, and even maligned, by those who lack an understanding of its value – and, when the industry is attacked, a forceful response is required.”
Unfortunately, we also know business aviation is often mischaracterized, and even maligned, by those who lack an understanding of its value – and, when the industry is attacked, a forceful response is required.
This reality was recently on clear display in the form of an opinion video about business aviation, published by The New York Times. The video included unfounded claims about business aviation’s contribution to aviation system funding – a false premise promoted by those who have pushed air traffic control privatization. Politico, a DC must-read publication, said the Times video was the product of “a campaign.”
In a statement released shortly after the Times video’s publication, NBAA set the record, noting that just like the airlines, business aviation pays proportionately for its use of the system.
NBAA also produced a video, providing the facts about business aviation’s contribution to its use of the aviation system, primarily through the fuel tax. Equally important, NBAA’s video sets forth the facts about business aviation’s essential role in connecting, helping businesses thrive, serving as a lifeline for medical and emergency services and supporting job creation and local investment.
The video, released as part of a paid social media campaign, is available at the website for the industry’s CLIMBING. FAST. advocacy initiative, which brings together 15 leading business aviation organizations to highlight the sector’s value to citizens, companies and communities with Washington policymakers and opinion leaders. NBAA and the other stakeholder partners have been promoting the video – I invite you to view it and share your thoughts.
As we gather for NBAA’s convention this October, we will celebrate a week in which business aviation takes center stage as an essential American industry. With your support, NBAA will continue to champion the industry throughout the year.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.