Industry leaders joined the governor of Delaware and lawmakers on November 20 to promote the benefits of general aviation to the state’s economy. “We live in a global economy and it is critical that government continue to foster an environment where industries can grow and thrive,” Delaware Gov. Jack Markell told hundreds of attendees during GAMA’s latest jobs rally. “This aviation-jobs rally is indicative of GAMA’s commitment to contributing to the revitalization of our manufacturing industry by promoting high-skill, good-paying jobs in an industry with tremendous growth potential in our state.”
The rally, held in New Castle, Delaware, was the 14th such event that GAMA has staged in an effort to educate the public and government leaders about the role the industry plays in the economy. Along with Markell, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Rep. John Carney (D-Del.) participated, as did leaders from Dassault Falcon Jet, FlightSafety International, Summit Aviation, and Aloft AeroArchitects (formerly Pats).
The leaders shared a message that general aviation supports 2,600 jobs and $588 million in economic output annually in Delaware. “Aviation has a strong impact to Delaware’s economy,” said Carper. “Aviation supports thousands of jobs and adds millions of dollars to our economy; that’s a big impact on a small state.”