This year, our Addison FBO Experience Manager, Lisa Peterson, represented Galaxy FBO at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) 2026 DC Fly-In in Washington, D.C. Joining business aviation professionals from across Texas and the nation, Lisa met with members of Congress and their staff to discuss the issues that will define the future of business aviation in the United States.
During the Fly-In, the Texas delegation met with staff from the offices of Senator Ted Cruz, Senator John Cornyn, Representative Keith Self, Representative Pat Fallon, Representative Julie Johnson, and Representative Brandon Gill. The group also heard from Annie Brody, Director of Coalitions for the Office of the Majority Whip, who provided valuable insight into the legislative process and the importance of industry participation in shaping public policy.
The meeting with Representative Keith Self allowed the group to share why they had traveled to Washington and discuss the critical role business aviation plays throughout Texas and across the nation. The discussion continued with his staff, becoming one of the most engaging meetings of the day, strengthened by the fact that one member of the delegation was a constituent from Representative Self’s district.
The delegation focused on several legislative priorities that are essential to maintaining a safe, efficient, and innovative aviation industry:
- Modernizing the nation’s air traffic control system to improve safety and operational efficiency.
- Supporting aviation workforce development while ensuring the FAA has the resources necessary to maintain the world’s safest aviation system.
- Encouraging continued investment in innovation, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and emerging aviation technologies.
- Recognizing the tremendous economic impact business aviation has on businesses, local communities, emergency response, and humanitarian missions.
These conversations are particularly meaningful for companies like Galaxy FBO because the policies discussed in Washington directly affect our customers, our employees, and the long-term health of the industry we proudly serve.
Business Aviation’s Impact Extends Far Beyond Airports
One message consistently reinforced throughout the Fly-In was the tremendous value business aviation provides to the United States.
Today, business aviation supports more than 1.3 million American jobs and contributes nearly $340 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Beyond its economic impact, business aviation connects communities without commercial airline service, enables companies to reach customers and facilities efficiently, and provides critical support during disaster relief efforts, medical transport missions, and humanitarian operations.
For those of us working in Fixed Base Operations (FBOs), these statistics aren’t just numbers, but they represent the businesses, pilots, passengers, maintenance professionals, and communities we serve every day.
Reflecting on the experience, Lisa identified several key takeaways from her first DC Fly-In.
- Advocacy matters. Meeting directly with legislators and congressional staff demonstrated how valuable firsthand industry perspectives can be. These conversations help policymakers better understand how business aviation supports economic growth, creates jobs, and serves communities across America.
- Relationships drive progress. Whether engaging with congressional offices or networking with aviation professionals from around the country, the relationships built during the Fly-In strengthen the industry’s collective voice and create opportunities for future collaboration.
- Business aviation has an incredible story to tell. From workforce development and safety to innovation and economic impact, the industry contributes far more than many people realize. Sharing that story is essential to ensuring policymakers understand the importance of continued investment in aviation.
At Galaxy FBO, we believe investing in our people means empowering them to become leaders—not only within our company, but throughout the aviation community.
We’re proud to support professional development opportunities like the NBAA DC Fly-In, allowing team members to represent both Galaxy FBO and the broader business aviation industry on Capitol Hill. Through advocacy, collaboration, and continued engagement, we can help ensure that business aviation remains a vital driver of economic growth, innovation, and connectivity for generations to come.
We are grateful that Lisa represented Galaxy FBO with passion, and thank the NBAA for organizing another successful DC Fly-In that brings together aviation professionals committed to advancing the future of our industry.
