No Plane, No Gain

In an effort to counter the onslaught of negative news surrounding business aviation, the National Business Aviation Association and General Aviation Manufacturers Association have teamed to launch a joint advocacy campaign called, “ No Plane, No Gain.”

Announced on Feb. 17 during GAMA’s Annual Industry Review and Market Outlook Briefing, the campaign targets policy makers with a four-part message: Business aviation creates jobs; it is the lifeline to small communities; it increases productivity; and it encompasses humanitarian and emergency service flights that save lives every day.

“The contributions of business aviation to our nation’s employment, commerce, competitiveness, and health are profound but not always well understood,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. “We are launching this new multi-media educational campaign to get the word out that business aviation is working for America. It is responsible for well over 1 million manufacturing and service jobs, and is one of the few industries that contributes positively to our nation’s balance of trade. It is also serving as a lifeline for communities all across the country that are seeing scheduled airline service being reduced or eliminated.”

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen agreed. “At a time when we are facing almost unprecedented economic challenges, U.S. businesses need tools that will help them enhance productivity, maximize flexibility, and maintain strong communications. ‘No Plane No Gain’ will underscore why business aviation is critical to tens of thousands of cost-conscious companies fighting to succeed in a difficult market. It will also remind people of the relief efforts and humanitarian assistance that is only possible through this mode of transportation.”

The campaign gets its name from a public advocacy effort launched by GAMA and NBAA in 1993. “This is an all-new media campaign…specifically calibrated to the challenges of today, and the technology of today,” Bolen said. It targets policymakers and opinion leaders, and its goal is to communicate the message that business aviation is necessary.