Latest Harris Survey Further Confirms Bizav's Value

In their continuing effort to educate the public on the value and nature of the business aviation industry, the National Business Aviation Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association jointly released updated Harris Poll findings that people are notably more productive on business aircraft and most such operations involve small companies.

The Real World of Business Aviation: 2018 Survey of Companies Using General Aviation Aircraft, involving online polling of 202 pilots and other flight-department managers along with interviews with another 276 business aircraft passengers, demonstrates that business aviation provides “safe, efficient transportation to companies of all sizes, particularly those located in smaller communities with little to no commercial airline service,” the associations said. The results were in line with similar surveys conducted in 1997, 2009, and 2015.

Among the findings: 57 percent of business aircraft pilots say their companies employ 500 or fewer workers; 62 percent of pilots and flight department leaders say their companies use just one turbine-powered aircraft; and 31.5 percent of flights went to destinations lacking scheduled service.

As for productivity, passengers spend an average of 63 percent of their time engaged in work activities while aboard business jets, but just 42 percent engage in such activities when traveling by airline. Two-thirds of passengers say they are more productive on business aircraft flights, and 51.6 percent say that business aircraft travel enables them to meet work schedules that they otherwise could not meet efficiently.

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The survey found that 38 percent of pilots flew on humanitarian missions over the past year, and they averaged three humanitarian flights annually.

"Since 2009, we've said, 'No Plane No Gain,' and this updated survey confirms the power of the slogan," said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. "General aviation aircraft are indispensable business productivity tools, allowing flexibility, connectivity, and efficiency."

“Once again, we see that business aviation is a vital tool for companies of all sizes, enabling passengers to use their travel time for more effectively and efficiently than alternatives, while also providing critical lift to smaller communities and areas in need of emergency relief,” added NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.