WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Alliance for Aviation Across America and National Business Aviation Association recently commended the Bartlesville City Council for proclaiming June “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Oklahoma, general aviation contributes $1.2 billion annually to the state’s economy, and the aviation and aerospace industry supports nearly 144,000 jobs statewide.
“We commend the City Council of Bartlesville for highlighting the economic impact and other community benefits of general aviation,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the NBAA. “Business aviation helps companies of all sizes, especially in rural and suburban areas, to stay connected and operate more efficiently.”
According to the council’s proclamation, Oklahoma has 137 public-use airports, including 110 publicly-owned airports, that serve approximately 7,900 pilots, more than 4,900 active general aviation aircraft and nearly 1,200 student pilots, as well as 129 repair stations, 1,264 flights instructors, 91 fixed-base operators and 86 heliports.
Approximately 50 locally-based aircraft utilize the Bartlesville Municipal Airport for business and private use, with ConocoPhillips providing ground servicing to general aviation, including 660 jet fuel transactions totaling approximately 365,000 gallons of Phillips 66 jet fuel annually.
“General aviation is vital to cities and towns like Bartlesville, providing jobs and economic opportunity, as well as supporting law-enforcement, medical response, disaster relief and other critical services,” said Selena Shilad, AAAA executive director. “We sincerely thank the city of Bartlesville for recognizing this vital industry.”
The aviation and aerospace industry serves numerous local companies, including Phillips 66, ConocoPhillips, Sclumberger, ChevronPhillips Chemical, Walmart, Dillards, Spears Manufacturing, Atwoods, Phoenix Rising, Elite Aviation, Ag Werx and others who utilize the local airport to transact business locally, nationally and internationally.
Formed in 2007, AAAA is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of more than 6,300 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBOs, 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.
http://examiner-enterprise.com/business/organizations-commend-council-s-aviation-month-declaration