As Congress Passes Another FAA Funding Extension, NBAA Underscores Need for Multi-Year Reauthorization Bill

WASHINGTON, DC, September 24, 2008 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today urged Congress to use the time provided by a new extension of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding to complete work on FAA reauthorization as soon as possible.

"NBAA applauds Congress for the progress already made on FAA reauthorization, and this funding extension is important for allowing airport projects and other FAA programming to continue," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "At the same time, we think it's also important for Congress to send to the President, as soon as possible, a completed reauthorization package that provides long-term stability and builds on the work already being done to modernize America's aviation system."

Congress yesterday approved the extension legislation, H.R. 6984. The extension, which funds the FAA through March 31, 2009, will now be sent the President for his signature. The previous extension was set to expire on September 30.

An FAA reauthorization bill passed last year by the House, and under consideration by the Senate, includes an adjustment to the general aviation fuel tax to provide additional funding each year for continued transformation toward a satellite-based aviation system, also known as "NextGen."

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association, Inc. (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.