GAMA President & CEO Testifies Before Congress Regarding COVID-19’s Impacts on General Aviation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, March 2, 2021, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO, Pete Bunce, testified before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation, in a hearing entitled “COVID-19’s Effects on U.S. Aviation and the Flight Path to Recovery”.

In his testimony, Bunce described the negative impacts that the pandemic has had on the general aviation industry including on its workforce, the supply chain, and aircraft shipments and billings. He also stressed the importance of international regulatory cooperation which includes fully implementing bilateral agreements for the effective validation of aviation products. Additionally, Bunce championed the emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector and praised the recent introduction of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act (H.R. 1339) by the subcommittee’s Vice Chair, Rep. Davids (D-Kan.), and Ranking Member, Rep. Graves (R-La.).

During the hearing, Bunce highlighted a provision in the House-passed American Rescue Plan Act, which creates a temporary and targeted 50-50 cost share program between government and industry to retain, recall or rehire the highly skilled aviation manufacturing workforce. He emphasized general and business aviation’s commitment to environmental sustainability, including the promotion of increased production, distribution and uptake of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Additionally, Bunce touched on the possibility of 5G frequency spectrum relocation affecting radar altimeters, and validation and bilateral aviation safety agreements. 

A copy of Bunce’s written testimony can be found HERE and video of the entire hearing can be found HERE.