WASHINGTON, D.C., September 21, 2011 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has expressed its strong support for an initiative to facilitate business aviation operations in the Asia-Pacific region.  The proposal was agreed to by transport ministers at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in San Francisco on September 14, 2011. 

Speaking at last week’s meeting, GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce noted that the strong forecast for business aircraft deliveries, including rotorcraft, to the Asia Pacific region over the next several decades will require solutions to existing challenges.  These include a shortage of pilots and technical personnel, as well as insufficient infrastructure. 

“Business aviation allows companies to react with flexibility to new opportunities across a border or across an ocean,” said Bunce.  “It is important that the regulatory framework help, not hinder, business aviation.’’  

He added that business aviation plays a vital role in economic development, linking global markets, increasing business productivity, and bringing prosperity to people and communities. 

In a joint statement, the group of 21 transport ministers called for an APEC-wide effort “to focus expeditiously on identifying the benefits of business aviation and then working to develop and implement an APEC-wide set of agreed core principles that will apply to business aviation operations.” 

APEC’s Transport Working Group (TPTWG) will establish an appropriate APEC-wide working group to develop such a set of core principles.  GAMA has stated its commitment to work closely with APEC in this effort. 

The Ministerial Joint Statement issued at the conclusion of this meeting can be found at:   http://www.apec.org/Meeting-Papers/Ministerial-Statements/Transportation/2011_transport.aspx

Note: APEC is the premier Asia-Pacific economic forum, with the goal of supporting sustainable economic growth and prosperity in its member economies.  It focuses its activities on spurring free trade and investment, promoting regional economic integration, encouraging economic and technical cooperation, enhancing human security and facilitating a favorable and sustainable business environment.  APEC member economies are:  Australia; Brunei; Canada; Chile; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Philippines; Russia; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; The United States, and; Vietnam.