There are approximately 12 MROs in South Carolina. Stevens Aviation, one of the largest MROs in the southeastern United States, has one location in Greenville and two others that are located outside of South Carolina. “The Part 91 tax put us at a competitive disadvantage,” said Paul Witt, executive vice president of Stevens Aviation. “A very short flight to Augusta saved the customer seven percent. Removing the tax helps us to keep our business in South Carolina.”

“The Aerospace Task Force’s Strategic Plan identified the Part 91 tax as an obstacle to growth of South Carolina’s aerospace industry,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “South Carolina is a leading state for global business recruitment, and the Part 91 exemption will only bolster our ability to compete on the global stage. I would like to thank the Governor and the legislature for responding to the needs of industry and their continued efforts to keep South Carolina ‘Just right’ for business.”

Owner operator aircraft were the only type of aircraft subject to Part 91 tax. Commercially owned aircraft and courier service aircraft were already exempt under state law. Supporters of the exemption say its positive impact will carry over into non-aviation businesses. “Not only does the exemption benefit MRO companies in South Carolina, it also benefits those companies and individuals that own and operate aircraft in our State,” said James Stephens, executive director of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission. “Many owners and operators will realize cost savings related to non-aviation business because of the savings in the operation of their aircraft.”