The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has teamed up with four fellow aviation groups to inform US lawmakers that the nation’s general aviation industry will assist in responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
In the joint letter, the groups note the diversity of the nation’s general aviation and business aircraft fleet, the industry’s ability to operate from more than 5,000 general aviation airports across the country and its extensive experience with responding to humanitarian crises. Examples span from transporting time-sensitive supplies, medical specimens and equipment, to flying critical care patients and medical personnel.
In addition to NBAA, the letter was signed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Helicopter Association International, and the National Air Transportation Association.
The letter is addressed to Elaine Chao, secretary of the US Department of Transportation. It reads, “As our nation works to respond to the threat of the coronavirus, we wanted to make ourselves available to assist in any way possible. We stand ready to work with the administration so that the important role our industry can play in responding and mitigating the many challenges of this health issue is fully realised.”
“Business aviation has always been at the forefront of relief efforts in times of need and to assist citizens and communities in their most challenging times,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO at NBAA. “Just as we’ve joined together as a nation to face this challenging and evolving situation, I know that our industry is prepared and eager to provide whatever assistance we can to fight the spread of COVID-19.”
