FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 20, 2013
Contacts:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202) 223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Steve Hedges (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Jim Coon (NATA): (703) 845-9000
Kim Stevens (NASAO): (703) 417-1884
National Aviation Organizations Applaud New York Governor for Declaring May ‘Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC – Today, national aviation organizations applauded New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for declaring May “Aviation Appreciation Month.” In New York, the aviation industry accounts for more than $50 billion of economic activity every year and supports more than 394,500 jobs throughout the state. General aviation generates more than $1 billion of economic impact annually in New York.
“We applaud Governor Cuomo’s recent proclamation, which will help to raise awareness about the vital role of general aviation across New York. This form of transportation helps to support local businesses and connects residents with critical resources and services,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We thank Governor Cuomo for his efforts and look forward to working with him to highlight the importance of general aviation and local airports.”
“General aviation plays a critical role in New York, supporting essential services such as medical care and law enforcement, and helping companies to reach far-off regions and markets,” stated Craig Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank Governor Cuomo for his continued recognition of the benefits of the aviation and general aviation in particular.”
Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) said, “Business aviation is a strong economic driver in this country, supporting 1.2 million jobs and generating $150 billion every year. The industry is essential in stimulating jobs, economic activity and growth. We thank Governor Cuomo for his recognition of the contributions of the business aviation industry.”
“The network of local airports in New York and throughout the nation helps to keep communities and businesses connected in real time to customers, goods and important services,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We appreciate Governor Cuomo and Acting Aviation Bureau Director Geraldo Mendoza for their commitment to promoting the benefits of aviation.”
“General aviation links communities across the Empire State and provides opportunities for businesses and economic growth,” said Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “General aviation is particularly important to rural parts of New York, where community airports allow businesses to participate in an increasingly integrated economy. NATA and its 87 member companies across New York applaud the Governor’s actions in recognizing general aviation as a vital resource to the state’s competitiveness and growth.”
“General aviation and helicopters are extremely important assets to businesses and first responders across New York,” said Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “In addition, corporate and air tour helicopters are integral components of New York City’s economy. Governor Cuomo’s continued effort to draw attention to this industry is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to working with him in the future on issues important to the general aviation community.”
To view the proclamation, click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 6,000 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.
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