New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has declared May “General Aviation Appreciation Month.”
The proclamation highlights general aviation’s substantial economic benefits and contributions to public safety. The general aviation industry in New Jersey contributes $1.7 billion to the economy annually.
“We thank Governor Christie for recognizing the many contributions of general aviation in New Jersey,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “Small airports and general aviation are a tremendous resource for local communities, serving as a lifeline for businesses, medical care, law enforcement, and other services.”
“We commend Governor Christie for his recognition of the general aviation industry and local airports,” Craig L. Fuller, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), commented. “Airports and aircraft connect communities to resources, services and other parts of the country in a quick and timely manner, and we look forward to working with the Governor on this and other issues related to general aviation.”
“Business aviation generates $150 billion every year and supports 1.2 million jobs, including 18,000 in New Jersey,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “Aircraft are an important resource for businesses of all size to maximize productivity and perform specialized functions that would not otherwise be possible. We commend the Governor for signing this proclamation recognizing the benefits of business aviation for local communities in New Jersey and across the United States.”
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “New Jersey’s airport system is an enormous asset to businesses, manufacturers and local flight schools, maintaining local jobs and creating economic opportunity. We look forward to working with Governor Christie and Acting Division of Aeronautics Manager Ashwin ‘Max’ Patel on issues concerning airports and general aviation.”
“General aviation links communities across the Garden State and provides opportunities for businesses and economic growth,” said Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and its 41 member companies across New Jersey applaud the Governor’s actions in recognizing general aviation as a vital resource to the state’s competitiveness and growth.”
“In New Jersey and throughout the country, helicopters serve an essential role in supporting businesses and public safety thanks to their unmatched versatility,” stated Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “Their unmatched capabilities in response to natural disasters were on full display last October after Hurricane Sandy slammed the New Jersey shoreline. We appreciate Governor Christie’s efforts to recognize the vital importance that general aviation, and specifically helicopters, bring to people across New Jersey.