As NBAA formally opened this morning it was against the background that the drive launched 18 months ago to rebuild the battered reputation of business aviation is winning over politicians and the public.
That was the message today from the leaders of NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association about their No Plane, No Gain campaign, kicked off as a response to negative publicity about the sector in the wake of the banking crisis and plunging business aircraft orders.
The two organizations have spent much of the past year taking the message to local communities, media and legislators throughout the USA. "People are waking up to the benefits of our entire industry," GAMA president Pete Bunce told a press breakfast today.
Three veteran American icons and business aviation advocates have put their names to the No Plane No Gain campaign. Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, astronaut Neil Armstrong and billionaire investor Warren Buffet feature on posters, which can be seen around the convention center.
But Bunce cautioned that "the job is not yet complete." In two weeks, voters will elect new local and national legislators. "Every one of us has a duty to convey our message to these new officials to ensure we don't lose the momentum," he said.
Source: Flight Daily News
