House FAA Reauthorization Bill Includes Innovative NBAA-Sponsored Service Enhancement for Small Communities

Contact: Cassandra Bosco

Washington, DC, May 22, 2003 – A bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee yesterday with an innovative provision sponsored by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) to increase air service to small communities.

Representative Steve Pearce (R-NM) offered the amendment to the bill, H.R. 2115, the Flight 100 – Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, during a mark-up held yesterday. The measure would allow on-demand air charter operators using turbine-powered or multi-engine piston powered aircraft with 10 or fewer seats to sell individual seats at a negotiated price on flights between non-commercial/non-hub airports and other airports.

“This is the type of creative thinking needed to lead us into the second century of flight,” said NBAA President Jack Olcott. “If passed, this bill will allow the available and growing fleet of charter aircraft to provide additional service to airports and communities with limited access to our nation’s air transportation system.”

“Further, this will provide those relying on Part 135 operations, particularly the business community, an opportunity to gain additional cost efficiencies when using this form of transportation,” added Olcott.

H.R. 2115 now awaits a vote by the full House of Representatives. The FAA’s current authorization expires on September 30, 2003.

NBAA represents the aviation interests of more than 7,300 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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