GAMA marks a decade of operation

The US-based General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) yesterday marked 10 years as an international association at its annual State of the Industry press conference in Washington.

GAMA first incorporated manufacturing companies based outside of the US in 2002, and most General Aviation aircraft flying in the world today were built by GAMA member companies. In late 2011 the association also opened its membership to rotorcraft manufacturers.

“Since opening our doors to international manufacturers, we have seen new markets emerge around the world and reshape the general aviation landscape,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “Worldwide economic growth has spurred new market opportunities and exposed a growing number of operators and businesses to the utility of General Aviation.

“We are dedicated to safeguarding the growth and vitality of all our member companies and of General Aviation in every corner of the world.”

Closer to our shores, GAMA’s current efforts include:

- 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.

- 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.

“We are immensely proud that GAMA promotes the growth of the worldwide General Aviation manufacturing industry,” Bunce concluded. “[General Aviation aircraft] bring people together, link distant markets, increase business productivity, save lives, and help stabilise communities following natural disasters.

“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.”