AIA criticizes Obama for remarks on business aviation

By Neelam Mathews

June 30, 2011

U.S Aerospace Industries Association has taken objection to remarks about business aviation made by President Barack Obama during a June 29 White House press conference concerning tax policies for general aviation planes as part of deficit cutting efforts. 

“We're disturbed by President Obama's remarks on business aviation today. It seems odd that he would undermine the aviation industry one day after visiting Alcoa's factory and praising the workers who make parts and materials that are critical to producing business jets,” said President and CEO Marion C. Blakey.

“General aviation plays an important role in our economy and took a substantial hit in the recent recession. We feel that disparaging comments from the president regarding business jet users are not conducive to promoting jobs, investment and economic growth,” Blakey added.

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen too made a statement.

"The president has inexplicably chosen to vilify and mischaracterize business aviation – an industry that is critical for citizens, companies and communities across the U.S., and one that can play a central role in the economic recovery he says he wants to promote."

The president repeatedly denigrated business airplane owners and operators, apparently to make a case that current tax "depreciation schedules" for GA airplanes are too short, and should be lengthened, said a local newspaper.

There is a move for companies that use jets for business purposes to write off the cost of those purchases over seven years, instead of five years.