Fast forward to today and it is obvious that keeping aviation flying and the benefits of aviation growing is not so simple after all. In fact, aviation and specifically business aviation is a huge complicated machine and we face many challenges moving into the future. Business aviation, our livelihood, is exposed to so many outside influences. Politically and economically we are thought of as an exorbitant luxury. The industry is often portrayed as creating noise and traffic for surrounding communities and rarely represented accurately as a vital economic engine. Maintaining our airports financially is a cumbersome burden for our elected officials to deal with. Corporate aircraft operators struggle to keep maintenance and fuel costs to a minimum in a time of decelerating global economic growth. But does anyone really know what aviation contributes to our community?  The answer is yes, LIBAA does, and it is our job to educate everyone we can about the jobs and economic benefits that aviation brings to the communities we serve.

Business aviation, while not well understood by the average person, creates jobs throughout the entire community. LIBAA board and corporate members understand what value aviation provides across a broad spectrum of businesses. Businesses from hotel chains, limousine service, restaurants and a variety of support services are just some examples of this growth. For the companies that fly, aviation adds to the company’s reach into productive markets and adds growth and sustainability to our local companies. This helps keep companies on Long Island and adds to the tax base and work force. LIBAA board members (who are comprised of volunteers from local aviation companies) are passionate about protecting and expanding our Long Island network of professionals. We are sensitive to the impact of change at the local level and are vigilant on many fronts. We work together with our elected officials to remove obstacles like unfair taxes on our industry, which prevent our ability to compete with bordering states. We seek sustainable solutions to aircraft noise issues and offer the groups expertise to anyone that requests assistance on aviation matters. I invite you to explore the LIBAA web site and review our history of accomplishments in the name of safety, helping companies succeed in challenging economic times, and working with the communities we live in.

LIBAA is now 10 years old and has some very noteworthy history to be proud of. It is up to this organization to help influence Long Island’s aviation future and prosperity. It is through the quality of our staff, our member companies, and the size of our representation that we are able to create the message of jobs and economic benefit necessary to guide policy decisions within our government and the management of our airports. I would like to sincerely thank all of our member companies for your continuing support. If you are considering becoming a member, know that your support is needed and important. LIBAA member companies are an integral part of the future, shaping the way business aviation on Long Island will be done. Our meetings, dinners, and golf outings are an excellent opportunity for networking and for building new business relationships. If you are not a member company, I would encourage you to get involved so that your organization is aware of future opportunities or issues that may affect your business.

The board needs your input. No concern is too big or too small. It is through our combined efforts that local solutions and growth is possible. If you have an area of expertise, please volunteer your talents and skills as a board or committee member. Together we will chart the future and success of aviation on Long Island.

Best Regards;