Contact: Cassandra Bosco
Washington, DC, October 15, 2004 – The FY ’05 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations measure approved by Congress this week directs DHS Secretary Tom Ridge, in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Secret Service, to provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by March 1, 2005, on restoring access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and other general aviation airports within 15 miles of DCA for security-qualified charter and general aviation operators. This provision was included at the urging of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and other general aviation groups.
“This action shows that Congress continues to want business aviation returned to Reagan National – they are demanding answers,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “It is clear that this issue isn’t going away, just as it’s clear that security-qualified charter and general aviation operators pose no national security risk. We stand ready to assist Secretary Ridge, as well as the TSA and Secret Service, with data and expertise as the report is developed.”
NBAA represents the aviation interests of more than 7,700 companies that own or operate general aviation aircraft as an aid to the conduct of their business, or are involved with business aviation. NBAA Member Companies earn annual revenues approaching $5 trillion — a number that is about half the gross domestic product — and employ more than 19 million people worldwide. The NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention is the world’s largest display of civil aviation products and services.
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International Business Aviation Council Ltd.