The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has responded to a recent New York Times editorial video that made false claims about how general aviation, including business aviation, contributes to the funding of the nation’s aviation system. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen wrote a letter to the news organization, stating that general aviation, like the airlines, pays proportionately for its use of the system.

Bolen highlighted three key facts in his letter to the Times. First, he pointed out that business aviation pays its fair share for aviation system use through seven different taxes and fees, including a pay-at-the-pump fuel tax. These taxes are easy to comply with, understand, and pay, and they also encourage the purchase of cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient aircraft.

Secondly, Bolen clarified that business aviation is only an incremental user of the aviation system. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study found that general aviation accounts for about 7% of system use, which is deemed “actually, quite small. ” General aviation primarily uses smaller, less congested airports, while major airports dominated by the airlines require complex infrastructure and a large workforce to handle the high volume of flights at peak travel times.

Lastly, Bolen emphasized that different types of flights impose different costs on the aviation system. Economists and other experts typically consider cost drivers when determining proportionate payment for aviation system use. Bolen likened this to a party of five at a restaurant, where one diner orders the most expensive meal and expects everyone to split the bill equally.

Bolen’s letter also addressed the role of business aviation as a critical part of our transportation system, connecting communities of all sizes, supporting over a million American jobs, and contributing $340 billion annually to the US economy. He criticized the video for oversimplifying and misleading the public and policymakers about the important role of business aviation.

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the NBAA is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to improve their business operations. With over 10,000 members, the association offers more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show.

In his letter, Bolen also pointed out that general aviation traffic was removed from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in the years following the Sept. 11 attacks, without any significant change in the airport’s operational costs. This further supports the fact that business aviation is not a significant cost driver for the aviation system.

The NBAA’s response to the New York Times video sets the record straight on the role and contributions of business aviation to the nation’s aviation system. Bolen’s letter highlights the importance of accurate and informed reporting to avoid misleading the public and policymakers.