NBAA Congratulates Sen. John Thune on Election as Majority Leader

Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, [email protected]

Washington, DC, Nov. 13, 2024 - National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen congratulates Sen. John Thune (R-SD) who was today elected as the next Senate majority leader to succeed retiring Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Thune has represented South Dakota for more than two decades, first in the U.S. House from 1996-2004, then in the Senate from 2005 to the present. He has been a member of Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation since 2007, serving as committee chair from 2015-2019.

Throughout his tenure, Thune has been a strong advocate for the small towns and rural areas that rely on general aviation for access to larger cities and locations across the world.

"Sen. Thune is a key ally to the general aviation community," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "He understands that general aviation is essential in connecting citizens, companies and communities in South Dakota and across the country, and that the industry plays a vital role in our nation's economy and transportation system.

"As a leader on the Commerce Committee, Sen. Thune has been a critical voice in representing the industry's priorities in FAA reauthorization legislation," Bolen added, noting Thune's support for provisions in bipartisan FAA bills for preserving general aviation access to airports and airspace, investing in aviation infrastructure, prioritizing safety and growing the sector's workforce.

"On behalf of the business aviation community, NBAA congratulates Sen. Thune on his election as Senate majority leader, and we look forward to continuing our work with him and others in Congress to ensure that America remains the world's leader in aviation."

# # #

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.

Members of the media may receive NBAA Press Releases immediately via email. To subscribe to the NBAA Press Release email list, submit the online form.