Today, national aviation organizations applauded Washington Governor Jay Inslee for declaring June “General Aviation Appreciation Month” in the state. The proclamation highlights general aviation’s economic impact and other benefits. The general aviation industry in Washington contributes $3.18 billion to the economy annually.
“We thank Governor Inslee for his leadership in recognizing the general aviation industry and its contributions,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “Small airports and general aviation are a crucial resource for local communities, serving as a link for businesses, medical care, law enforcement, and other services.”
“General aviation and local airports connect communities to resources, services and other parts of the country with great efficiency,” Craig L. Fuller, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), commented. “We appreciate Governor Inslee’s recognition of this important industry, and look forward to working with him on this and other issues related to general aviation in the future.”
Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) said, “Business Aviation is an important industry in the United States, generating $150 billion every year and supporting 1.2 million jobs. We commend Governor Inslee’s recognition of this crucial lifeline to the state of Washington. By signing this proclamation, the Governor will help us further the economic benefits that business aviation brings to Washington and the United States.”
“With this proclamation, Governor Inslee acknowledges the crucial ability of general aviation and the airports they rely on to effectively connect communities to various services, support jobs and create economic opportunity,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “The Governor’s support of the industry exhibits his dedication to creating jobs and supporting an important economic lifeline for Washington. We appreciate Governor Inslee’s efforts and look forward to working with him and Tristan Atkins, the Director of Aviation, in the future.”
“In Washington, general aviation links communities and provides opportunities for business and economic growth,” said Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). “NATA and its member companies in Washington applaud Governor Inslee’s actions in recognizing general aviation as a vital resource to the state’s long-term economic strength.”
Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) said, “Governor Inslee’s recognition of the general aviation industry highlights its contribution to local communities and citizens throughout the state. General aviation and especially helicopters are very important in Washington, whether its search and rescue, port security, delivering medical care or helping to link businesses to other regions of the state.”
http://www.lakestevensjournal.com/county-state/article.exm/2013-07-01_national_aviation_organizations_applaud_washington_governor_for_declaring_june__general_aviation_appreciation_month_