NBAA and NATA Congratulate Sen. John Thune on Election as Majority Leader

Both NBAA and NATA congratulate Sen. John Thune (R-SD) who was 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.

“NATA congratulates Senator John Thune on his election as Senate majority leader and looks forward to his collaborative leadership in the 119th Congress. Throughout Senator Thune’s distinguished Congressional career and service on the Senate Commerce Committee, he has demonstrated a commitment to sound transportation policy, an understanding of the aviation ecosystem, and an appreciation for the value of aviation businesses. We are thrilled to see an aviation advocate step into the majority leader role at such a critical time for our industry. As business and general aviation stakeholders work to deploy emerging aviation technologies, maintain critical air service to thousands of communities across the nation, drive local and national economic growth, and invest in the next generation of skilled aviation professionals, NATA looks forward to meaningful collaboration with Senator Thune and his staff on Capitol Hill to further the safety and success of aviation businesses,” stated NATA CEO and President Curt Castagna.

“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.”