NBAA’s 7,500 Members Point to the Bill’s Strategic Economic Investment in Aviation
Contact: Cassandra Bosco
Washington, DC, October 29, 2003 – Shelley A. Longmuir, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), today joined key members of Congress, FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey and industry leaders to urge immediate passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill, known as Vision 100 – the Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act. Longmuir pointed to the bill’s strategic investment in an industry that feeds our national, regional and local economic engines.
“The high-performing, integrated aviation industry is an inexorable partner in the global marketplace,” said Longmuir at today’s Capitol Hill press conference. “The use of corporate aircraft has grown steadily and will continue to grow because of the proven efficiencies and productivity that business aviation delivers. Our 7,500 Members rely on a safe, secure and efficient aviation system for time-critical, mission-driven transportation in communities all over the globe. Passage of this bill will inject nearly $60 billion of critical and timely investment in the nation’s aviation system.
“Of particular importance is the bill’s call for increased investment in general aviation airports, $100 million in aid to general aviation entities harmed by the tragic events of 9/11, and a plan to restore access for all security-qualified general aviation operators to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA),” added Longmuir. “It is our hope that Congress can act quickly to resolve issues that have delayed final consideration of this thoughtful legislation,” said Longmuir. “Enactment of Vision 100 – the Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act is critical and cannot be delayed any longer.”
Longmuir today also acknowledged the leadership of Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Trent Lott (R-MS), Congressmen Don Young (R-AK) and John Mica (R-FL), Administrator Blakey and other leadership within the industry, to raise awareness of the bill’s strong benefits for all sectors of the aviation industry.
NBAA represents the aviation interests of more than 7,500 companies that 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.
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International Business Aviation Council Ltd.