The recent press coverage about use of general aviation aircraft by businesses either ignores or mischaracterizes the value that many thousands of businesses derive from using an airplane to help their companies succeed. I know because my company considers its aircraft to be an essential business tool, one that is utilized by technical, sales and other specialists, not just senior management. The real story is that across business aviation generally, the overwhelming majority of passengers are mid-level managers and specialists in a variety of disciplines.
In addition, 85 percent of companies that rely on business aviation are small to mid-size enterprises. A business airplane allows them to be efficient, flexible, travel to more than one location in a single day while conducting business en route or carry equipment that is difficult or even impossible to transport via commercial airline. It also allows companies to remain located in or do business in communities with little or no airline service – providing a vital transportation link that is even more important today. More than 100 U.S. towns and cities have lost scheduled airline service in the past year alone.
It’s time to recognize that business aviation is about business productivity and competitiveness, and it supports a vital industry that contributes over $150 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
We participate in a global economy which requires dependable and reliable transportation. Get informed about the benefits of business aviation – it employs 1 million hard working Americans who are dedicated to the success of their companies and I’m proud to say I’ve been one of them for the past 26 years.
Sharon Beth Forbes
No Plane No Gain
