Who We Are...

We are a Michigan based non-profit focused on the advancement of business aviation.

The Michigan Business Aviation Association (MBAA) is committed to advocating for airport infrastructure, air transport system capacity, security and other issues affecting aviation in the State of Michigan. MBAA is dedicated to general aviation issues at the local, regional and state level.

We provide Voice, Resources, and Networking opportunities for aviation professionals. MBAA was founded in 1998 to represent businesses and individuals with a common interest in preserving and developing air transportation systems. 

If business aviation is your passion, we invite you to experience membership in MBAA. Our members include corporations, individuals or sole proprietors that own, lease and/or operate aircraft. Vendors, suppliers, manufacturers, individuals, educators, students or anyone with an interest in the aviation industry are also invited to join MBAA.

Join MBAA Today

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History

Overview

MBAA was founded in 1998, with the express purpose of furthering efforts to maintain and expand airport infrastructure throughout Michigan. 

The MBAA Mission Statement reads in part: "The Michigan Business Aviation Association is the joining together of businesses and individuals with a common interest of the preservation and continued development of a thriving and efficient air transportation system."

Aviation is critical to the economic future of Michigan if we are to compete in a global economy. MBAA believes it is essential that we maintain and expand our airport infrastructure to keep pace with a changing global economy. 

Accomplishments

We are very proud to have played a key role in the passage of the Airport Safety and Protection (A.S.A.P.) plan in 2002, which provided $70 million in state funds over five years. This $70 million leveraged another $860 million in Federal funds and $70 million in local funds for a total of $1 billion dollars over the five years of the program. These dollars helped fund Safety and Protection Development Projects at over 90 airports in Michigan. A.S.A.P was critical to the state's economy and generated numerous projects across the state, creating jobs and upgrading security and airport infrastructure. 

In 2008, Governor Granholm signed into law Senate Bill 59 (Public Act 221) which created a Task Force and Citizens Advisory Committee to develop recommendations on transportation needs and review funding for roads, public transit and aviation. Two members of the MBAA Board of Directors were appointed to those committees. Roger Salo was appointed to the Transportation Task Force and Bill Gehman was appointed to the Citizens Advisory Committee to represent Michigan Business Aviation Association. MBAA was an active participant in the Governor's Transportation Task Force which provided recommendations specifically addressing the needs of aviation in Michigan. 

January 2011 - June 2012: House Bill 4025 introduced by MBAA. This bill amends the General Sales Tax Act to dedicate revenue from the 4% sales tax imposed on retail sales of aviation fuel and aviation products, at a maximum of $10 million, to the State Aeronautics Funds in fiscal year 2012-2013. These dollars would also leverage federal money that could be used to meet infrastructure and new construction projects on our state airports. HB 4025 was signed by the Governor and is now Public Act 226 of 2012.

On September 2nd, 2012 Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed a proclamation stating that September would be aviation month in Michigan. Michigan is home to 235 public use airports, 155 licensed aircraft dealers, 70 licensed flight schools, 5 aircraft manufacturers, 6,500 registered aircraft, and 16,000 licensed pilots. Aviation related activities contribute over $20 billion annually to Michigan’s economy and provide significant positive economic and quality of life impacts in Michigan communities throughout the State.

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Mission

The Michigan Business Aviation Association is the joining together of business and individuals with a common interest of working towards the preservation and development of an air transportation system including airport infrastructure and other aviation issues affecting the State of Michigan.

The use of aircraft for travel by corporate and business leaders illustrates the high priority these individuals place on safe, direct travel and the savings it represents. It is also clear that new or expanding business and job creation are directly dependent on future education and training opportunities as well as access to air travel throughout the state.

The Association is dedicated to the promotion and advocacy of the importance of air travel to the state’s economy and the importance of sufficient funding to preserve, develop and assure safety at Michigan airports.

A balanced transportation system and its infrastructure are the vital building blocks for a state to compete successfully in a global economy. It is recognized that a system of airports in the state is a basic requirement for corporate and business air travel. It is also recognized that development and preservation of this system requires sufficient funding to assure safe and adequate airports. Reliever airports in congested areas, are essential not only to those aircraft directly using the reliever system but also to assure maximum capacity and minimum delay at major airports.
The Association recognizes the need to improve the understanding and importance of aviation by state and local officials. The Association will strive to improve this understanding and the relationship between government and aviation users.