NBAA Applauds Congressional Proposal for Reopening Reagan Washington National Airport to General Aviation

Contact: Dan Hubbard at (202) 783-9360 or dhubbard@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, April 6, 2005 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today hailed the introduction of House legislation to grant renewed access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for general aviation aircraft operators.

The legislation, H.R. 1496, was introduced today by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don Young (R-At Large-AK), Minority Ranking Member Jim Oberstar (D-8-MN), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John Mica (R-7-FL), Subcommittee Ranking Member Jerry Costello (D-12-IL) and Committee Member Del. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC).

“NBAA thanks the leadership of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for adding considerable voice to a growing chorus of support for reopening Reagan Washington National Airport to general aviation,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “This proposal recognizes that effective security policies can be developed that strike a balance with economic realities and individual freedoms. That has been NBAA’s message all along.

“The business aviation community has long sought policies that enable security-qualified operators to access National Airport,” Bolen continued. “This legislation is yet another step in that direction, and we look forward to working with its sponsors to restore access to National Airport in a safe, secure manner.”

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Founded in 1947, NBAA serves its 7,400 Member Companies by promoting the aviation interests of organizations utilizing business aircraft in the United States and worldwide. The association 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.