In defense of jets

Recent media and congressional scrutiny of corporate aircraft is imprudently destroying a vital industry. While top executives have a fiduciary responsibility to their employees and shareholders to properly manage this resource, corporate aircraft are business tools that help companies grow and be more competitive.

In the United States, business aircraft have 10 times more airports available than airlines serve. Landing at airports close to the ultimate destination saves considerable time. Meetings can be conducted in multiple cities, states and even countries in a single day. Executives have the security to conduct meetings en route in complete privacy. People and/or parts can be dispatched quickly to locations that have emergencies or to keep an assembly line from shutting down.

No other form of travel allows the degree of business reach, time savings, productivity and security than business aircraft.

Corporate aviation employs manufacturers, pilots, mechanics, dispatchers, secretaries, fuelers, cleaners, painters ... the list goes on.

Contrary to the economic stimulus goals, forcing companies to divest aircraft will decrease their productivity, slow their growth and increase unemployment.

The bottom line is that judicious use of corporate aircraft is good for the companies that own them and the U.S. economy.

TOM BADSTIBNER
South Fayette