What is Business Aviation?
Business aviation is the use of any “general aviation” aircraft for a business purpose. The Federal Aviation Administration defines general aviation as all flights that are not conducted by the military or the scheduled airlines. As such, business aviation is a part of general aviation that focuses on the business use of airplanes and helicopters.
The business aviation community consists of companies of all sizes that rely on many different types of aircraft – from single-pilot airplanes, to turbine aircraft that fly internationally, to helicopters that survey rush-hour traffic – and the fixed-base operations and many other services that support flight operations at the nation’s 4,000-plus public airports. The vast majority of businesses in this community – 97 percent – are small- to mid-size businesses and other entities including nonprofit organizations. The tens of thousands of businesses in the business aviation community are:
Diverse.
- Business aviation is a diverse composite of entrepreneurs and organizations – nonprofits and companies of all sizes – located in all parts of the United States, often in small towns and rural areas. Business aircraft can range from helicopters to fixed-wing turbine or propeller airplanes, with the prop-and turboprop- driven categories composing the majority of America’s business aviation fleet. View NBAA Member profiles.
Safe and Secure.
- The business aviation community and the federal government have adopted many security measures to harden the industry against terrorist threats. NBAA works to ensure that the businesses in its Membership have secure and reliable access to airspace and airports across the country. Learn more.
Economic Drivers, Essential to the National Interest.
- Contributing significantly to the national economy, state and local economies, business aviation is often an economic lifeline for areas with limited options for business transportation. Business aviation also provides vital air transportation in times of public need, including fire and rescue and medical evacuation services, and represents an essential transportation link for communities without scheduled airline service. Learn more.
The Real World of Business Aviation: A Survey of Companies Using General Aviation Aircraft
This survey, conducted for GAMA and NBAA by Harris Interactive, concludes that typical company in the business aviation community is a small or mid-sized business flying a single aircraft that is used by a broad mix of employees to make business trips utilizing community airports, often with little or no airline service.
Download the study (544KB, PDF)
Business Aviation - An Enterprise Value Perspective
This study, conducted by NEXA Advisors, shows that by a host of measurements, companies using business aviation outperform those without aircraft. According to the study, business aircraft users had a dominant presence, on average of 92 percent, among the most innovative, most admired, best brands, and best places to work, as well as dominating the list of companies strongest in corporate governance and responsibility. The report also finds that business aviation alone is the only asset capable of accelerating strategic transactions and therefore providing a competitive edge to top-performing companies.
Business Aircraft
The types of business aircraft vary widely, ranging from propeller-driven aircraft to jets to helicopters. Read More.
Business Aircraft Uses
Companies rely on business aviation for fast, flexible, safe, secure and cost-effective access to destinations across the country and around the world. Read More.
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About NBAA
Learn more about the National Business Aviation Association.
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Business Aviation Priorities
The business aviation community is focused on modernizing the aviation system, preserving access to airports and airspace and continuously improving an already strong safety record. Learn more.
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Products & Services Directory
Review the list of NBAA Member companies around the world that provide aviation products and services.
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Safety Resources
NBAA and its Member Companies recognize that one accident is too many. The Association provides safety education resources as well as annual Flying Safety Awards recognizing excellence in safe operations.
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GA Desk
NBAA maintains one of the two non-FAA desks at the FAA Air Traffic Control Command Center. The NBAA General Aviation (GA) Desk provides Members with the tools and information they need to enhance trip planning and facilitate issue resolution.
