Bolen Says He Hopes For A 'Collaborative Relationship’

Both the NBAA and NATA issued statements Thursday welcoming newly-confirmed Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to his new position, and expressing their willingness to work with the new head of the department.

“We congratulate Secretary Foxx on his confirmation, and we are anxious to meet with him personally, discuss our industry and take the next step in what we expect to be a productive, collaborative relationship,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen in a statement released to the media.

Bolen noted that while serving as a councilman, Foxx chaired that body’s Transportation Committee. As mayor, he worked with state and federal officials to meet the transportation needs of the Charlotte metro area. During his recent confirmation hearing, Foxx said that as mayor he “decided to make efficient and innovative transportation investment the centerpiece of Charlotte’s job creation and economic recovery efforts.”

NATA also offered congratulations to Secretary Foxx.

“We are excited to work with Secretary Foxx and his staff. Secretary Foxx understands the vital role that small businesses play in job creation and we look forward to helping him shape policies that are important to General Aviation, an industry that annually drives more than 1.2 million jobs and pumps more than $150 billion into the U.S. economy,” said NATA president and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks in a separate statement.

“We also want to thank outgoing Secretary Ray LaHood for his service to our Nation and for his steadfast support of aviation safety and his efforts to improve our transportation infrastructure. Secretary LaHood has always been a friend to General Aviation and the thousands of small businesses that support our industry. We wish him all the best in the future.”

FMI: www.nbaa.org, www.nata.aero