Little Impact On BizAv From Increased Security

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It’s doubtful that increased security for airline travel will prompt a run on business aircraft but the Christmas Day attack on a Northwest Airlines flight may highlight the benefits of private air travel, according to a story in The Wichita Eagle. The Eagle quotes airline consultant Richard Mann as predicting that increased inconvenience in airline travel will push business people to private aircraft. “I think if we see much more of the sort of response that we saw in this Detroit incidence, we’re going to see a resurgence in business aviation,” he said. But those in the business aviation industry said history doesn’t support that view.

National Business Aviation Association President Ed Bolen told the Eagle that in the wake of significant changes to airline security after 9/11, “we did not see any empirical data to show a significant shift (to business aviation)….” Cessna spokesman Doug Oliver said those who already have business aircraft might use them more but new security rules aren’t likely to be the deciding factor in buying an aircraft. “Certainly people might use their business aircraft more, but sales are based on economics (and) on the global economy,” Oliver said.

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