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NBAA Joins Other Groups in Calling for Stimulus Package Investment in Aviation

Dec. 15, 2008, Washington, DC – The NBAA and other aviation groups this week urged Congress to recognize the economic benefit that aviation investments provide.


December 15, 2008  By Carey Fredericks

Dec. 15, 2008, Washington, DC – As the House and Senate consider a broad economic stimulus package, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and other aviation groups this week urged Congress to recognize the economic benefit that aviation investments provide.

NBAA and 11 other aviation organizations sent a joint letter to the House and Senate leadership pointing out the unique ability of the aviation industry to generate jobs and economic activity in the U.S. and across the world. To help strengthen this national asset, the letter recommends six priorities for Congress to consider when assembling an economic stimulus package, including funding for airports, investment in a Next Generation ("NextGen") aviation system, an emphasis on research and development, legislation to extend accelerated depreciation on aircraft purchase and other initiatives.

“It's long been understood that investments in aviation provide a tremendous return to cities and towns throughout the country,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “As Congress considers an economic stimulus package, we want to ensure that this benefit is recognized.”

The letter notes that the civil aviation industry – including aircraft, engines and parts manufacturers, airlines, airports, pilots, aircraft owners and the general aviation community – directly and indirectly generates over 10 million jobs and $1.2 trillion in economic activity annually.

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In 2006, according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent analysis, that activity represented approximately 5.6 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, and U.S. employees in aviation-related fields paid taxes on about $369 billion in payroll.

“We believe you should focus on several vital areas of our nation’s aviation infrastructure," the letter states; "Careful investment decisions made today will provide immediate economic relief – while preparing our national air transportation system for future growth.”

Other groups joining NBAA in signing the letter included the Aerospace Industries Association, Air Transport Association, Airport Consultants Council, Airports Council International-North America, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, American Association of Airport Executives, Cargo Airline Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Air Carrier Association, National Association of State Aviation Officials and the Regional Airline Association.

Read the full letter and detailed recommendations at: www.nbaa.org/advocacy/letters/20081208.

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