Recent negative portrayals of business aviation are inconsistent with the true nature of the industry, according to a poll released by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
Managers and other mid-level employees are the typical passengers on business aircraft. Only 22 percent of passengers are top management, such as a chairman, board member, CEO or CFO. The majority are other managers (50 percent) and/or technical, sales or service staff (20 percent).
The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, paints an industry in which the typical company is a small or midsized business flying a single aircraft that is used by a broad mix of employees to make business trips using community airports, often with little or no airline service.
“These findings stand in stark contrast to recent mischaracterizations of business aviation operators,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. “The reality is, companies of all sizes rely on many different types of aircraft to be more competitive, productive, efficient and successful.”
NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen agreed, adding, “Although the manufacture and use of business aircraft contributes significantly to the national economy, the industry is often not well understood.”
NBAA and GAMA commissioned the survey in an ongoing effort to educate policymakers and opinion leaders about the value of business aviation to citizens, companies and communities across the U.S. The survey was conducted online and by mail within the U.S. between June 1 and October 6 among 350 pilots, flight department managers and directors of aviation of business aircraft, as well as 289 passengers.
http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/harris-survey-reveals-truths-about-bizav/
Source: AVIATION INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Date: 2009-10-20