One would think jet aircraft used for business purposes are evil because of the way some people view them. The media also likes to link them with corporations, even nonprofits, and often politicians, in stories on wrongdoings. In short, business jets are getting a bum rap.
Business jets are necessary as transportation vehicles in today’s economy. We have many large corporations and nonprofit organizations that have plants or operations in several states and even in foreign lands. The jets are used to transport executives from their headquarters to their scattered plants and operations. They are time-savers. Time is money.
These companies retain jobs and create new jobs. Often they are used to transport technicians needed to troubleshoot problems in distant locations. They also are used to transport needed parts. Vendors and customers use jets to visit plants.
Jet aircrafts transport company officials, or site locators, to visit areas being considered to locate a new plant or expanding an existing one.
Washington has had firsthand experience with business jets coming here for all the above purposes.
Many people and some segments of the media see these jets as a luxury that isn’t needed. Yes, there has been some abuse in the use of business jets but it’s minor. The jets are necessary in business operations. Government officials also use them to get around a state or the country. People elect officials and want to see them and want them to attend events. An aircraft makes several stops a day possible.
We need to recognize the necessity of travel in business and government aircraft. They shouldn’t be looked upon as an extravagant abuse of funds and as a toy for the rich.
