NBAA Welcomes Introduction of Accelerated Depreciation Proposal

Contacts: Dan Hubbard, (202) 783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.orgPatrick Dunne, (202) 783-9263, pdunne@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, June 25, 2010 –The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today praised Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Charles Grassley (R-IA) for introducing a proposal to extend accelerated, or “bonus” depreciation for equipment purchases in 2010 including general aviation (GA)  aircraft.

The existing accelerated-depreciation policy expired at the end of 2009; in April, NBAA joined with more than 80 American businesses and organizations in sending an open letter to House and Senate leaders calling for renewal of the policy.

“Bonus depreciation is a proven incentive for businesses to accelerate replacement and purchases of essential equipment, including GA aircraft,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We commend Senators Baucus and Grassley for introducing this important legislation.”

The manufacture and use of business aircraft supports more than one million jobs, contributes positively to the nation’s trade balance, helps companies of all sizes be more efficient, productive and competitive and provides a vital transportation link to communities across the U.S., especially those that have lost some or all airline service in recent years.

Nevertheless, a continuing economic recession has weighed heavily on the industry, which over the past year has witnessed a significant drop in flight hours, decreased aircraft sales, and a raft of layoffs among aircraft manufacturers. Retaining accelerated depreciation would help incentivize the purchase of general aviation aircraft, and the jobs and other benefits that come with it.

“Introducing legislation in the Senate to renew the existing accelerated depreciation policy as part of the recovery effort would continue the virtuous cycle of stimulating a vital industry through tax incentives, bringing back more U.S. manufacturing jobs and improving our trade balance, and at the same time enabling many more American companies to continue using business aviation to succeed,” Bolen said.

To view the letter from NBAA and other organizations calling for the renewal of accelerated depreciation policy, visit www.nbaa.org/npng/letter20100401.

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 8,000 companies and 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.