News

In a recent blog post, global aircraft service provider XO offered the top five benefits of business aviation, based on a recent NBAA survey. The top reason, the company stated, was flexibility. “Travel for business could be needed at a moment’s notice, or during hours that the commercial hours cannot accommodate.”

To better serve businesses and the community, Alabama’s Thomasville Airport will transition to a regional airport known as the Southwest Alabama Regional Airport. “It’s long been understood that companies looking to invest in an area want to be close to an airport to transport employees, potential customers and move goods in and out of the region,” said NBAA Southeast Regional Representative Greg Voos. “I congratulate the hard work of the Alabama Department of Transportation and their partners to enhance the economic viability of the region.”

Following a four-month closure for a complete runway reconstruction at Oregon’s Hillsboro Airport (HIO), local and regional officials and business leaders recently gathered to officially reopen the airport’s largest runway – 31L/13R – to business aircraft operators. “The result of this project’s investment in vital infrastructure for the local economy, shows that Hillsboro Airport appreciates and values the benefits of business aviation,” said Phil Derner, NBAA’s Western regional representative.

General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in every state, and recently, the governors of West Virginia and Wyoming, along with mayors of cities in several states, officially recognized the industry for its positive impact.

Since its founding in 1981, LifeLine Pilots has flown more than 8,000 humanitarian missions, with over 450 volunteer pilots logging over 5 million nautical miles. The group is seeking business aviation’s help in expanding its reach.

North Dakota’s Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) opened Oct. 10, 2019, and officials expect the $273 million airport will provide needed capacity for business and commercial aviation now, with room for future expansion.

ASB Avionics, Inc, an FAA-certificated repair station since 1991, is a family owned and operated business based in Mojave, CA which employs more than 25 technicians and other professionals including experienced systems engineers and program managers.

Sioux County Regional Airport, slated to open next month, is located halfway between Orange City and Sioux Center, IA. The new airport, which boasts a 5,500-foot-long and 100-foot-wide runway, has offices, a conference room, training room and pilots’ lounge, a maintenance facility on site, two 12,000-gallon fuel tanks and room to house 35 planes – more than the current two airports combined.

The Aspen Flight Academy in Aspen, CO, is launching “Every Student Flies”, a youth aviation education program that will provide a free flight lesson to all 556 students at the Aspen Public High School.

GAMA’s “Top 10 Reasons to Work in General Aviation” video is part of a workforce development series aimed at shifting perspectives of general aviation manufacturing careers.