NBAA Denounces President's Misleading Debate Attack on Business Aviation

Washington, DC, October 3, 2012 – National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen tonight strongly condemned President Barack Obama's remarks, made in a presidential debate this evening, disparaging business aviation and mischaracterizing the industry.

"At a time when both candidates claim to be putting job creation at the top of their agenda, it's unfortunate that the President tonight denigrated the business aviation industry, which is responsible for 1.2 million American jobs and $150 billion in economic impact. The President's comments completely mischaracterized the businesses and groups that depend on an airplane, the majority of which are small- to mid-sized businesses, farms, flight schools, medical care providers and emergency responders that use the aircraft to connect communities and grow their businesses. That's why dozens of governors have recognized the industry's importance, and over 100 Mayors have written the President to ask him to stop attacking it at a time when many businesses and communities are still recovering from the economic downturn."

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (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 9,000 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.