News

The city of DeKalb, IL, home of the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DKB), will use the No Plane No Gain “Business Aviation: Working for America” video on its local government access channel to educate residents about the value the airport brings to the region. “The business aviation connection makes this town far more successful than it would be without it,” said Jeff Birtell, managing producer of Channel 14.

A proposed aviation-focused license plate aims to raise awareness of the significant impact aviation, including business aviation, has on the state of Colorado. “Any opportunity to advance aviation’s visibility in a positive manner is appreciated,” said Steve Hadley, NBAA’s Southwest regional representative and director of regional programs. “We applaud the efforts to promote general aviation, which is a big economic driver in Colorado.”

An economic impact analysis of Van Nuys Airport (VNY) – one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country – has determined the airport is a “key player” in the Southern California region. The study found that the airport contributes 10,480 jobs – of which 5,291 are on-site jobs; $674.6 million in labor income; $124.9 million in state and local taxes; and $170.4 million in federal tax revenues.

Recognizing the important role general aviation, including business aviation, and community airports play in the lives of citizens and the operation of businesses and farms in the states of Ohio and Indiana, several mayors proclaimed December 2016 as General Aviation Month.

A license plate recognizing the value of aviation, including business aviation, could soon be a new option for Washington state vehicle owners. “NBAA encourages our members in Washington to support this initiative, which not only raises awareness of the state aviation system, but would also provide additional funding for the infrastructure of vital public-use airports in the state,” said Kristi Ivey, NBAA’s Northwest regional representative.

Tim Skinner, vice chairman of the Lafayette Airport Commission, has made it his mission to grow business aviation at Louisiana’s Lafayette Regional Airport. Skinner has been using No Plane No Gain materials, in conjunction with meetings with airport tenants, businesses, area political leaders and commissioners, “so they can see that growing business aviation provides a financial benefit to the airport and the community,” he said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is the latest state executive to recognize the value aviation, including business aviation, brings to his state. “The Texas aviation industry is critical to our economy and way of life,” he wrote. In total, 13 proclamations were issued in November 2016 in support of general aviation.

Recent improvements at Massachusetts’ Harriman-and-West Airport (AQW) are contributing to the growing economic investment in the Northern Berkshire region. “We’ve been working on the infrastructure for over 16 years,” said Trevor Gillman, a member of the airport commission. “Now, we have traffic coming in that didn’t used to be there.”

Ten esteemed business leaders have joined those who have stepped forward in recent years to explain the value of business aviation to their companies as part of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign. The leaders are featured in a booklet titled Business Leaders on Business Aviation. “Over the years, we have seen increasing numbers of world-class business leaders raise their hands to testify to the value of business aviation,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

Local officials across the country – from Florida to Idaho – recognized business aviation in October 2016, for the value it brings to their city, state and region. To date, hundreds of lawmakers from around the country – representing all 50 states – have issued proclamations about the industry.