What is Business Aviation?

Business aviation is the use of any general aviation aircraft for a business purpose. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), general aviation includes all flights not conducted by the military or scheduled commercial airlines. Business aviation, therefore, refers to the use of airplanes, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), and emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies for business-related operations.

This sector includes companies of all sizes that rely on a wide range of aircraft—from single-pilot planes to large-cabin jets, helicopters, and drones. These aircraft are often supported by fixed-base operators (FBOs), maintenance providers, and other aviation service companies operating at over 5,100 public-use airports in the U.S. (far more than the 500 served by commercial airlines).

Business aviation allows companies to:

• Reach more destinations, more directly and efficiently

• Control travel schedules based on business needs

• Maximize productivity and save time

Business aviation is vital to Minnesota’s economy.

Minnesota companies regularly use business aircraft to conduct business across the United States and in more than 60 countries. These aircraft enable companies to efficiently access markets and customers, saving time and resources while supporting job growth and economic opportunity statewide.

Who We Are

Founded in 1955, the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting business aviation. As our first president Jim Magnus stated, our purpose is “to represent and protect the aviation interests of our members, present a united front in areas requiring organized action, and further the safety and efficiency of business aircraft operations.”

What We Do

MBAA connects its members to national and regional aviation leaders, including the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and advocates for policies that support safe, efficient, and sustainable business aviation.

Our members operate aircraft based at airports across Minnesota. These include Fortune 500 companies and small, locally owned businesses that rely on aviation to succeed. Business aviation supports hundreds of Minnesota residents, brings thousands of customers to our state each year, and contributes more than $18 billion annually to Minnesota’s economy. Well-maintained airports and infrastructure ensure that Minnesota companies are globally connected now and into the future.

Our core goals:

• Influence laws and regulations affecting general and business aviation

• Educate policymakers and the public on aviation’s role in economic development

• Keep members informed on safety updates, regulatory changes, and technology trends

• Promote professionalism and safety across all business aviation operations

Membership Benefits

MBAA provides valuable resources and opportunities to advance careers and strengthen the business aviation community, including:

• Monthly meetings with expert speakers (FAA, NBAA, MAC, OEMs, educators, and more)

• Timely updates on safety issues, regulations, airport developments, and industry news

• Annual events like our Golf Classic (fundraising for scholarships) and Winterfest (a networking social recognizing member contributions)

• Professional Development Grants for eligible individuals seeking continued growth

• Email newsletters and alerts to keep members informed and engaged

• Access to the full member roster to support business development and peer connections

Our Members

MBAA proudly represents over 600 individuals and organizations, including:

• Pilots, flight attendants, maintenance technicians, avionics specialists

• Schedulers, dispatchers, and flight department managers

• Aircraft sales professionals, OEMs, and manufacturers

• Fixed-base operators, insurance providers, law firms, and drone operators

• State, local, and federal aviation officials

• Service providers across the business aviation ecosystem