Today, national aviation organizations applauded Missouri Governor Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon for declaring April “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Missouri, general aviation accounts for $857 million in annual economic activity, and supports over 7,000 jobs statewide.
“Governor Nixon’s proclamation recognizing the importance of general aviation in Missouri further illustrates the crucial impact that this industry has, not only to the state, but nationwide,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation provides many benefits to businesses, both large and small, throughout the state.”
“General aviation supports vital medical, law enforcement and public safety services. In times of emergency, such as the tornado in Joplin back in 2011, general aviation played an important role in assisting the community immediately after the devastation by serving as a connection point for needed supplies and support to the city,” stated Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “Governor Nixon’s proclamation highlights the benefits of general aviation and small airports in Missouri.”
“Business aviation helps business professionals get to meetings, reach clients, bring in supplies and send out goods – it is vital to business growth,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We are pleased that Governor Nixon has passed this proclamation, and appreciate his support of this important economic driver. We look forward to working with him in the future.”
“We applaud Governor Nixon’s recognition of the importance of general aviation in Missouri,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “This proclamation highlights the benefits of general aviation and helps to grow and support enthusiasm for flying. We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor to support aviation and general aviation throughout the state and the nation.
Kim Stevens, interim President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) noted, “Our nation’s network of airports is a critical part of our infrastructure and helps to connect communities and businesses with critical supplies and markets. We thank Governor Nixon and Aviation Administrator Amy Ludwig for their efforts in bringing attention to general aviation and its benefits.”
“General aviation links communities across Missouri and provides important economic development opportunities,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Missouri applaud Governor Nixon’s actions in recognizing general aviation as a vital resource to the state’s competitiveness and growth.”
“Helicopters and other general aviation aircraft play a vital role in Missouri’s first responder and law enforcement network,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Nixon for this proclamation and for recognizing this vital industry.”
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of more than 6,300 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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