NBAA Statement on News Coverage of Recent Study About Non-Business Use of Company Airplanes

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

Washington, DC, June 10, 2009 – National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen today provided the following statement in response to news stories highlighting a study that examines compensation, including a company’s non-business use of its airplane.   

“It’s unfortunate that, in reporting only on the non-business use of a company’s airplane, the coverage on this issue by some news organizations has flown right past some key points.

“First, there are many good reasons companies allow for some personal travel on business aircraft. Directors cite the efficiency of the aircraft in minimizing employees’ time away from the office, and the ability of company officials to remain in contact with headquarters while in flight. Many businesses also mandate that some employees travel aboard company airplanes because of safety concerns.

“But, equally important, most flights are made strictly for business reasons, which is why business aviation is essential to companies of all sizes, all across the U.S. The fact is, business aviation allows companies to increase their competitiveness and productivity, which is especially important in the current economic climate. Eighty-five percent of the companies that rely on business aviation are small and mid-sized enterprises, which are often located in towns with little or no airline service. The majority of the flights involve mid-level employees; top management is only on board 15 percent of the time.

“These facts are at the heart of the real story behind business aviation, which benefits citizens, companies and communities across America. It’s unfortunate that the one-sided view of business aviation provided in some of the recent coverage of the compensation study ignores the essential role it serves in the nation’s economy and transportation system.”