Over the past couple of years the aviation industry has had some hard times from the economic downturn to politicians who feel business aviation is an extravagance.  An interesting study was released recently from NBAA.  The published titled, Business Aviation: Maintaining Shareholder Value Through Turbulent Times.  The study focused on S&P 500 companies and the affect business aviation played on company’s financial results and their ability to respond to economic downturns.  The results showed that even in some of the worst economic times companies that used business aviation outperformed in financial results and recovered from the recession quicker than their counterparts.  Companies not using business aviation during the recession suffered lost profitability and lost employees at much higher rates than companies that utilized business aviation. 

Ed Bolen, President of NBAA said it best “This answers the question as to why so many American enterprises continue to depend upon business aviation, even in – and perhaps, especially in – tough economic times.”  The study also showed these same companies experienced better growth, better earnings and profit growth, and better market capitalization beyond pre-recession levels.  Maybe companies that use business aircraft know the value it brings and are better managed companies?

Doug Goldstrom

Vice President Marketing & Sales