FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2010
Contact:
Selena Shilad (AAAA): (202) 550-2547
Matthew Hager (AAAA): (218) 330-7447
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Chris Dancy (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Groups Commend Kentucky Governor Steven Beshear for Declaring July “General Aviation Appreciation Month”
Washington, DC – Today, the Alliance for Aviation Across America, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) praised Governor Steven Beshear for recently declaring July “General Aviation Appreciation Month” for the state of Kentucky. The proclamation highlights the $1.75 billion in economic activity and thousands of jobs that general aviation provides to the state of Kentucky, as well as the fact that communities throughout the state depend on these aircraft and airports for a host of importance resources, including medical care, law enforcement and tourism.
In response to the announcement, Alliance for Aviation Across America Executive Director Selena Shilad said, “We commend the Governor for his recognition of such a vital industry to the economy of small towns and rural communities across Kentucky. General aviation provides billions in economic impact and serves as a literal lifeline for small businesses, farmers, ranchers, medical personnel, and charities to small towns and rural communities across the state and beyond.”
Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of AOPA stated, “Kentucky’s hundreds of public-use airports and more than 6,500 pilots play a vital role in linking communities, supporting agriculture, providing disaster relief, and creating thousands of jobs. Governor Beshar clearly understands the value of general aviation in his state and beyond, and we at AOPA look forward to working with him to continue to raise awareness of the many benefits GA delivers to all Americans.”
“The business aviation community would like to thank Governor Beshear for his recognition of such an essential industry not only to Kentucky, but to the entire country,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA. “Business aviation allows companies across Kentucky to reach communities that do not have readily available commercial airline service, increasing their response time and allowing companies to expand beyond the areas served by the airlines.”
“Kentucky’s network of community airports allows businesses and organizations to reach areas that would take hours or even days to reach via ground transportation,” said Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the NASAO. “The Department of Aviation Commissioner Winn Turney has been instrumental in promoting this valuable industry within the state of Kentucky, and we applaud Governor Beshear for highlighting the value of general aviation and look forward to working with him in the future.”
To view the proclamation,click here.