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Business aviation is defined as the use of a general aviation airplane for a business purpose. It is essential to 12,000 companies of all types and sizes in the U.S. that are trying to compete in a marketplace that demands speed, flexibility, efficiency and productivity. The vast majority of these companies – 85% - are small and mid-size businesses, many of which are based in the dozens of markets across the country where the airlines have reduced or eliminated service.
Business experts, civic leaders from small and mid-sized towns and others have long known that business aviation is fundamental to the economic development of communities that lack robust commercial service. It is also a key part of our nation’s manufacturing base. Business aviation is a vital link in the nation’s transportation system and a primary engine of our economy.
The following comment, from Ankeny, IA mayor Steve Van Ort, is illustrative of local leaders’ awareness of the value of business aviation to communities across the country: “The truth is that the vast majority of the businesses and organizations that rely on small aircraft are airports, farmers, charitable organizations, doctors and businesses that are the economic backbone of small communities across Iowa and the United States. These businesses and groups drive local economies, support jobs, and provide crucial resources to these communities.”
A company’s decision to utilize business aviation for any mission depends on a variety of factors, including availability of commercial service in the departing or arrival destinations, the number of sites to be visited in a single day, the number of employees traveling, the need to discuss proprietary matters en route, the need to move specialized equipment and a host of other considerations. The following list details some of the primary reasons companies utilize business aviation as a solution to some of their transportation challenges.
Accessing communities with little or no airline service.
Business aviation serves ten times the number of communities (more than 5,000 airports) served by commercial airlines (about 500 airports) This means business aviation can allow companies to locate plants or facilities in small towns or rural communities with little or no commercial airline service.
Reaching multiple destinations quickly and efficiently.
Companies that need to reach multiple destinations in a single day may elect to use business aviation, because that type of mission could be hard or impossible to complete with other modes of transportation.
Supporting the travel needs of many types of company employees.
An NBAA survey revealed that 86% of passengers aboard business airplanes are non-executive employees. Companies often send teams of employees to a given destination because it is the most cost-effective means of transport.
Moving equipment.
When companies need to immediately move sensitive or critical equipment, business aviation is often the best solution.
Ensuring flexibility in scheduling.
In today’s business environment, companies need to be nimble. Business aviation provides flexibility for companies that need to ensure employees can respond to changing demands and circumstances.
Increasing employee productivity and providing security.
Business aviation is a productivity tool – when traveling aboard business aircraft, employees can meet, plan and work en route. Business aviation also allows employees to discuss proprietary information in a secure environment and without fear of eavesdropping, industrial espionage or physical threat
Keeping in contact.
Many aircraft have technologies that allow employees to remain in communication throughout the duration of their flight. This can be critical for companies managing a rapidly changing situation.
Providing a return to shareholders.
Studies have found that businesses which use business aviation as a solution to some of their transportation challenges return more to shareholders than companies in the same industry that do not utilize business aviation.
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