Looking to reinforce the value of business aviation to American workers, policymakers, companies and communities across the U.S., the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) unveiled a comprehensive new advocacy campaign on Feb. 17. It has a catchy and familiar-sounding name: “No Plane No Gain.”
“The contributions of business aviation to our nation’s employment, commerce, competitiveness and health are profound but not always well understood,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. “We are launching this new multi-media educational campaign to get the word out that business aviation is working for America. It is responsible for well over 1 million manufacturing and service jobs, and is one of the few industries that contributes positively to our nation’s balance of trade. It is also serving as a lifeline for communities, all across the country, that are seeing scheduled airline service being reduced or eliminated.”
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen agreed. “At a time when we are facing almost unprecedented economic challenges, U.S. businesses need tools that will help them enhance productivity, maximize flexibility, and maintain strong communications. ‘No Plane No Gain’ will underscore why business aviation is critical to tens of thousands of cost-conscious companies fighting to succeed in a difficult market. It will also remind people of the relief efforts and humanitarian assistance that is possible only through this mode of transportation.”
The program, launched at GAMA’s Annual Industry Review and Market Outlook Briefing, gets its name from a public advocacy campaign launched in 1993 by the same two associations. The new initiative will take full advantage of the changing ways people receive and process information while building on proven advocacy techniques, GAMA’s Bunce said.
Backed by dedicated financial resources from NBAA and GAMA, the campaign will utilize a multi-faceted approach, including (among others) a “No Plane No Gain” web site, www.noplanenogain.org, which underscores the importance of business aviation and provides resources for the business aviation community; studies and surveys that will illustrate the value of business aviation, based on current, quantifiable data compiled by respected sources; paid advertising through various channels; Webinars to educate audiences about the need for business aviation and to provide practical tools for justifying the use of a business airplane; and Youtube placements and podcasts outlining the value of business aviation.
Learn more at www.noplanenogain.org.
If congressional leaders feel that the business aviation fleet is a superfluous extravagance, perhaps they should do away with the taxpayer subsdized 89th Airlift Wing based at Andrews Air Force Base, manned by over 1,000 personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week with its fleet of Boeing 747’s, Gulfstream III’s, Boeing 757’s, Gulfstream V’s, and Boeing 737’s. Without these resources at their disposal, perhaps they may begin to realize the vital role aviation plays in the efficient conduct of business in the U.S. and beyond. Let us not forget that the Air Commerce Act of 1926 was passed in recognition of the aircraft’s role in the promotion of (air) commerce.
For a Business to run efficiently the Administration & Employees need to the same operating goal to insure quality of produce, on time delivery and volume to make a profit.
Use of an aircraft, when applicabe, can make a serious contributin to this cause.
Since the U S Goverment is Lending or Giving $$$$ to Banks & Companies, I would hope that they have the right to examine the operations to insure the are frugal and not abusive.
NBAA has an excellent Program that evaluates travel with comparison so as to make the best economic decision. There are those tht hold there head in the sand; then take it our and speak of what they do not know.
Al Beckwith, member NBAA; AOPA, NATA, EAA