April 8, 2020

Let’s All Pitch in to Spread the Truth About Our Industry,” a recent Aviation International News article, urged business aviation professionals to stand up for the industry when times get tough.

“In times of financial distress, the company airplane (or fractional share, jet card, or charter account) is often the first casualty from the corporate budget,” wrote Mark Phelps. “It’s also the last to find its way back.”

The article recalled a story about a Florida company that sold its light jet during a past financial crisis in order to avoid the appearance of fiscal irresponsibility.

Phelps called out those in the business aviation industry for allowing these “skewed optics” to drive business decisions, and he encouraged business aviation professionals to instead spread the truth about the industry: that the company aircraft is a tool to benefit the business; personal use of business aircraft is taxed; and while business aircraft include some large-cabin business jets, the majority are smaller airplanes.

In addition, business aviation supports more than one million jobs and contributes over $200 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The majority of companies using business aircraft are small- to mid-size businesses and nonprofit organizations.

“NBAA, GAMA, NATA, and other trade associations are always on the lookout for unfairly inaccurate reports on business aviation, and they do a good job of responding. But we all need to pitch in to spread the word,” urged Phelps.

No Plane No Gain, a joint initiative of NBAA and GAMA, is designed to educate the public on the importance of business aviation to our country and its communities, companies and citizens. Business aviation is an economic lifeline for areas with limited airline service, and you can help spread that message.

Visit the No Plane No Gain website for facts on business aviation and to help build your organization’s case – business aircraft are invaluable tools, even – or especially – in times of financial distress.