A delegation of more than 70 of business aviation’s best ambassadors – NBAA Young Professionals (YoPros) – took to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on June 24 to highlight for dozens of lawmakers the importance of business aviation to citizens, companies and communities nationwide.

The fifth annual, daylong, nonpartisan initiative was held under the banner of the CLIMBING. FAST. industry advocacy campaign, a multiplatform program for educating policymakers and opinion leaders about business aviation’s many societal benefits. The program is supported by an international coalition of 17 leading aviation organizations, including NBAA.

During more than 80 meetings with House and Senate lawmakers and staff, participants highlighted business aviation’s essential role in the U.S. economy, supporting 1.3 million jobs and $340 billion in economic output. They also pointed to the industry’s role in connecting communities, helping companies of all sizes succeed, providing critical humanitarian lift in crises and innovating on sustainability technologies.

This year’s YoPro Hill Day meetings specifically centered on:

• The importance of general aviation airports.
• Business aviation’s leadership in a government-industry coalition to build a brand-new air traffic system.
• Protecting aviation system operations from future government shutdowns.
• Championing policies and programs to attract and retain future aviation leaders, including access to mental healthcare.
• Supporting America’s energy security and agriculture economy through the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R.7567).

Hill Day participants said they valued the opportunity to talk about an industry they are invested in.

“When you meet with elected officials to discuss business aviation’s importance, you always feel like you’ve accomplished something,” said Anneliese Dyer, with 4AIR LLC. “We get to help advocate for the industry we love, and we get to help work toward change. It’s really encouraging for the YoPro community to have a hand in that.”

First-time participant Tyler Svrusis, with Aviation Advisors, agreed it was a special experience.

“At my young age, I’m able to come out here and advocate for an industry that I’m passionate about,” he said. “I’m in my first year in this industry, but I’m really excited to advocate for it, it’s a very special part of the aviation world. I’m a big advocate for pilot mental health; I want to make sure our congressmen are aware of how big of a deal the mental health stigma is in our industry, and what they can do to really help fix the problem that we have with it.”

Andres Morales, president and CEO of Florida-based Skyline Group MC, summed up the day as a success.

“We had an opportunity to discuss Florida’s importance to the business aviation sector,” he said. “I’ve been an NBAA member for the last 15 years and to have this opportunity as a young professional has been great, and hopefully there’s more to come.”

NBAA Senior Vice President Kristie Greco Johnson praised the YoPros for their commitment to the Hill Day, and their effectiveness as industry ambassadors.

“The dedication and energy the YoPros bring to their meetings with lawmakers leaves a lasting impression about the importance of business aviation and the impact it has on communities across America,” she said. “There are no better advocates for our industry than the people who work in it every day.”