WASHINGTON, DC, February 22, 2012 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) celebrated ten years as an international association today at its annual “State of the Industry” press conference. GAMA first incorporated manufacturing companies based outside of the United States in 2002. Most general aviation aircraft flying in the world today were built by GAMA member companies.

“Since opening our doors to international manufacturers, we have seen new markets emerge around the world and reshape the general aviation landscape,” said GAMA’s President and CEO, Pete Bunce. “Worldwide economic growth has spurred new market opportunities and exposed a growing number of operators and businesses to the utility of general aviation.  GAMA’s work has never been more expansive and we are dedicated to safeguarding the growth and vitality of all our member companies and of general aviation in every corner of the world.”

Bunce stated that the 2012 GAMA agenda was substantial and highlighted a number of global efforts where GAMA is working on behalf of its international membership and the entire GA industry.

EUROPE
– GAMA’s permanent presence in Brussels has ensured that the global general aviation
manufacturing industry plays an important role in shaping the future of general aviation in the
vital European market and beyond.
– GAMA is actively involved in rulemaking activities at the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) as its authority expands beyond certification and maintenance, to operations,
licensing, the environment, air traffic control and airports.
– GAMA has played a vital role in advocating for safety agreements between the European
Union and countries like the U.S., Brazil and Canada in order to bring greater harmonization
to safety oversight and efficiencies to the delivery of new aircraft, parts and maintenance
services.

ASIA
– GAMA is providing an industry perspective to authorities as countries on the Pacific Rim
develop a common framework to facilitate business aviation operations under the aegis of the
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
– GAMA is forging cooperative relationships with regulatory authorities, policymakers and
stakeholders in China and India to align certification and regulatory policy with an  
environment that promotes the safe and rapid growth of general aviation. 

NORTH AMERICA
– The recent enactment of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill
finalized a GAMA-led legislative effort to improve the oversight of FAA certified foreign repair
stations and enhance global safety cooperation.
– The FAA’s Small Airplane Directorate has established an Aviation Rulemaking Committee
(ARC) to redefine and modernize general aviation airplane airworthiness standards. GAMA
leads this effort which involves authorities from around the world (Brazil, Canada, China,
Europe, New Zealand and the U.S.) with the goal of making the aircraft certification process
more effective and efficient.

GLOBAL
– As part of our industry’s commitment to do its part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(GHG), GAMA member companies are leading the way in the development of a carbon
dioxide (CO2) certification standard for new aircraft at the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO).
– At the end of 2011, GAMA opened its membership to rotorcraft manufacturers. The
association looks forward to becoming a powerful voice for this vibrant and growing global
sector of general aviation as the demand for vertical lift, rapid disaster relief and emergency
services grows around the world.

Bunce concluded, “We are immensely proud that GAMA promotes the growth of the worldwide general aviation manufacturing industry. Our products bring people together, link distant markets, increase business productivity, save lives, and help stabilize communities following natural disasters.

“The industry is poised for a global resurgence with emerging markets already pointing the way. As it starts a climb out of this downturn toward an era of renewed economic prosperity, general aviation manufacturing will be an even more viable and powerful engine for global economic growth and employment.”