Washington, D.C. — The Alliance for Aviation Across America has noted that Gov. Bill Haslam has declared March 2017 as General Aviation Month. In Tennessee, general aviation contributes more than $2.5 billion to that state’s economy each year, according to a news release.
“Communities of all sizes in Tennessee rely on general aviation and local airports to support critical services, agriculture and economic growth and development,” said Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We thank Gov. Haslam for issuing the proclamation and recognizing the importance of general aviation in Tennessee.”
“Tennessee’s airports, just like bridges and roads, help businesses and communities throughout the state to transport personnel, food, parts, medical care and many other goods and services,” said Mark Kimberling, president and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. “We thank Gov. Haslam and Aeronautics Director Bill Orellana for their support for community airports across the state.”
“Businesses throughout Tennessee, and across the country, rely on general aviation to connect to other markets, support jobs and improve the economy,” said Martin H. Hiller, president of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies across the Volunteer State commend Gov. Haslam for his continued support of general aviation.”
“Business aviation is an important tool for businesses of all sizes in Tennessee,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association. “From helping businesses to connect to plants in rural markets, to helping to connect communities to medical care and disaster relief, business aviation has an important impact. We thank the governor for this proclamation and look forward to working with him on issues critical to business aviation.”
According to the proclamation: “General aviation plays a vital role in the State’s response to emergencies and natural disasters.”
To view the proclamation, visit https://aviationacrossamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/3.17-Tennessee-Proclamation.pdf.