With her saucy style, Gail Collins is one of my favorite New York Times Op-Ed authors. This week she wrote about “The Best Perk in Politics.” Naturally, she’s talking about business jets and all the free rides Rick Perry took on them. After a fleeting aero-centric thought of how the industry would defend itself against the latest attack, I cogitated on conflict’s root causes and supporting players.
First, biz jets are a pawn in our political, social, and financial debates because they are an immediately understood symbol that separates those with the power and influence money buys from everyone else. Yes, as a member of the aviation clan I fully understand and support all the good business aviation provides, and the livelihoods it supports. But these boring realities are lost in the wordy gale of accusations and counter claims.
Collins succinctly described why biz jets are the ideal symbol in the wealth wars. “And you have to admit: private jets are the best. When you get to the airport, they’re waiting for you. You can keep your shoes on. Nobody tells you to turn off your Kindle until the plane has reached cruising altitude. It’s the one rich-person perk I truly, desperately envy.”
She and the millions of people subjected to the TSA security show who must also endure the airlines’ crass treatment and pocket-picking fees. A spurious question: Do rich and powerful airline execs have biz jets, or do they fly coach like their paying customers?
Still, being an envied yet despised symbol is not good for aviation and the people who make their livings from it. But, realistically, biz jets will forever be a symbol, a pawn in the wealth wars. As everyone knows, aerial corporate transport is but a tool, and how it is perceived depends on how their owners use them. Until this changes, business aviation will always be a topic for op-ed authors and others. — Scott Spangler