NBAA praised a recent move by the U.S. State Department to permit international aircrew into the U.S. for the purposes of training, aircraft pickup, delivery, or maintenance. The State Department this month provided exceptions from Covid-19 restrictions affecting international travel from certain regions for individuals traveling on B-1/B-2, B-1, or M-1 visas, or through the Visa Waiver Program, NBAA said.

Presidential proclamations have restricted entry into the U.S. for most international travelers from China, Iran, Europe’s Schengen Area, the UK, Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa.

“NBAA appreciates the…efforts to allow international visitors to enter the U.S. for purposes of continuing education and flight training, as well as for aircraft pickup, delivery, or maintenance,” said NBAA director of flight operations and regulations Brian Koester. “Over the last year, we have heard from many aviators based overseas eager to resume training in the U.S. Such training is crucial to ensuring the safety of our skies, especially as pilots return to pre-Covid flight activity.”

In addition, aircraft maintenance and manufacturing are important contributors to the economy, he said. “Permitting international visitors to travel to the U.S. to participate in these activities is a positive step in the economic recovery from the global Covid-19 crisis.”