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Cessna calls for international co-operation

Jack J. Pelton, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Cessna Aircraft Company.

Oct. 1, 2009, Wichita, KS – Jack J. Pelton, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. company, today said business aviation faces similar issues around the world that will require operators to co-operate across regional lines if the business is to thrive.

Pelton's remarks came during his keynote address at the 10th annual Regional Aviation Association of Australia Convention held in Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

"We have our work cut out for us – here in Australia, in the United States and around the globe," said Pelton. "Every region of the world has its own issues to deal with and each issue is complex, requiring dedicated and reasoned discussion among the principals."

Pelton said the three primary issues facing general aviation are requirements to enhance security and safety, the need to modernize the world's air traffic management system and rising environmental concerns.

"In all three cases, we know there will be new regulations," Pelton said. "But we must work closely with the government to ensure the regulations make sense for the way general aviation operates while providing real benefits. And we must make sure these issues are considered on a global scale; it's imperative we create multilateral policies to create a cohesive global industry."

Pelton also addressed the primarily American issue of the image of business aviation which came under attack the past year.

"The main reason for the inaccurate portrayal of business aircraft use is a lack of understanding of the benefits and scope of business aviation," Pelton said. "The truth is that there's an increased importance on business jets. Companies of all sizes, all around the world, fly many types of aircraft as they compete in a global marketplace that demands speed, flexibility, efficiency, security, confidentiality and productivity. For all of these reasons and more, general aviation has become essential to the world's transportation system and the global economy."

Pelton, in his first visit to Australia as Cessna CEO, said the company has had a long relationship with aviation in Australia. In addition to attending the RAAA event, Pelton used his visit to meet with dignitaries, customers and the company's authorized sales partners – Aeromil Pacific and Airflite Pty Ltd.

"It's clear that general aviation is a critical component of the national infrastructure in Australia, and it's wonderful to see groups like RAAA working to promote and maintain the industry," Pelton said.

"There's no doubt general aviation faces many near-term challenges, but in taking a long-term perspective, my outlook for the industry is positive and my vision is that the best is yet to come for the businesses, communities and families benefiting from general aviation," Pelton said. "Organizations such as RAAA here and GAMA, NBAA and AOPA in the U.S. are an important part of the solution – but they rely on participation from businesses and aircraft owner/operators. We all must be active in shaping future legislation in a way that protects our industry."