Contact: Cassandra Bosco
Washington, DC, September 25, 2001 – Testifying before the House Aviation Subcommittee today, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President Jack Olcott emphasized the role of business aviation in restoring the nation’s economy following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. “Business aviation’s role in facilitating the transportation needs of businesses throughout the country and around the world is critical to the economy,” stated Olcott. He also noted that as an integral part of our nation’s air transportation system, business aviation resources are available in times of need. For example, following the attack on the World Trade Center, business aviation provided the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with access to hundreds of airplanes and helicopters to assist with rescue operations.
With regard to security concerns related to the September 11 events, Olcott stated, “We believe the security systems and procedures that are appropriate for the Part 121 (airlines) and Part 135 (on-demand charter) communities are not appropriate for the Part 91 (private business aviation) community. The security issue really comes down to the case of ‘known’ crew and passengers (business aviation operations under Part 91) and ‘unknown’ crew and passengers (commercial operations conducted under Parts 121 and 135).
NBAA, as part of the General Aviation Coalition, is developing broad-based recommendations to address the security concerns of the general aviation community raised by the Bush Administration in light of current events.
NBAA represents the aviation interests of over 6,700 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.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.