Just a week after stepping into the role of U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg participated in an FAA-hosted “Listening Session” yesterday with aviation stakeholders, providing advocates the opportunity to highlight their sectors and concerns. NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, who was among the participants, underscored the business aviation community’s role in the U.S. economy, as well as its safety, security, and sustainability.

“For the better part of a century, business aviation has served as a vital link in our air transportation system, and an important driver of our nation’s economy,” Bolen said. “We want to build on our unwavering commitment to operations that are safe, secure, sustainable, and efficient.”

Bolen also discussed the toll of the pandemic on business aviation. “Last year, we saw operations and aircraft deliveries fall precipitously,” he noted. “But even in those challenging times, our industry has demonstrated a great deal of resilience and innovation.”

NBAA said that Buttigieg expressed appreciation for the industry’s support for transporting vaccines, medical equipment, and relief supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Your organizations have stepped up to find solutions.” The new Secretary also said he looked forward to working with the industry on many of its priorities.