NBAA: Administration’s Aviation Budget Has Positive Elements, No User Fees

Contacts: Dan Hubbard, (202) 783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Patrick Dunne, (202) 783-9263, pdunne@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, February 14, 2011 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today said that the Obama Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 budget, released today, strengthens the national aviation system and preserves funding for small and mid-size airports without imposing new, onerous user fees.

“While it will take time to analyze the full impact of the president’s budget, upon initial review, NBAA is encouraged that it demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a national network of airports of all sizes across the country and increases funding for the transition to a Next Generation (“NextGen”) air transportation system while relying on the proven and efficient fuel tax instead of user fees,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

While President Obama’s FY2012 budget decreases some Airport Improvement Program funding, it preserves crucial funding for small and mid-size public-use airports. By setting aside $1.1 billion for NextGen – an increase of $347 million over 2010 funding levels – the president’s budget also shows a commitment to air transportation system modernization.

The president’s budget proposal comes as Congress also continues work on reauthorization legislation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Last week, the Senate Finance Committee approved its version of FAA reauthorization legislation, and the full Senate is expected to take up the comprehensive bill this week. The bill would increase taxes on Jet-A fuel to 35.9 cents per gallon – instead of imposing user fees – to help fund aviation system modernization. Also last week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee held hearings on FAA reauthorization, for which Bolen submitted written testimony, and work continued on a House reauthorization bill.

“As Congress and the administration consider funding and modernization for the nation’s aviation system, we’re encouraged that the proposals we’ve seen so far, including the president’s FY2012 budget, reflect an understanding of the value and priorities of business aviation,” said Bolen. “We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to keep American’s aviation system the safest, largest and most efficient in the world.”

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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.

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