NBAA Praises Senate Decision to Include Business Aviation in Visa Waiver Program

Contact: Cassandra Bosco

Washington, DC, October 4, 2000 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today praised the United States Senate, particularly Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT) and Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI), for recognizing the value and sound logic of including business aviation and charter operators in this country’s Visa Waiver Program.

The Senate’s decision to amend H.R. 3767, the Visa Waiver Permanent Program Act, so that foreign nationals from the 29 countries affected by the program may enter the United States without visas when traveling on business aircraft, reflects great wisdom and insight,” remarked NBAA President Jack Olcott. “Further, Senators Burns and Abraham are to be commended for their effective roles in shepherding this important measure through the legislative process in the Senate.” Airline passengers have enjoyed this privilege for several years, but if enacted, passengers on corporate or charter aircraft also would have access to the Visa Waiver Program.

The Association remains confident that the U.S. House of Representatives will respond favorably to the actions by the Senate by passing H.R. 3767, as amended, before the end of the 106th Congress. “NBAA has asserted for many years the business aviation community’s ability to take full responsibility for its passengers in this context,” said Olcott. “Fortunately, as the program is to be made permanent, our message of fairness and equity finally has resonated with relevant officials in Congress as well as the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Olcott concluded, “This positive development, which will enhance business aviation’s contribution to the global economy, was made possible by the concerted efforts of NBAA, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the National Air Transportation Association and others.”

NBAA represents the aviation interests of over 6,200 companies which 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.