FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 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
Governor Martin O’Malley Declares September “General Aviation and Community Airport Month” in Maryland
Washington, DC – The Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) applauded Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s presentation of a proclamation declaring September “General Aviation and Community Airport Month” in Columbia, Maryland earlier today.
“I am pleased to recognize this vital system of community airports and aircraft that contributes $2.1 billion in to our local economy and creates nearly 6,800 jobs to our state,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “It’s important that we continue to support this industry, which is vital to not only Maryland, but the entire country.”
“We commend Governor O’Malley for his recognition of the impact general aviation has on communities across Maryland. These aircraft and community airports are a literal lifeline for businesses, charities, law enforcement, and hospitals particularly for communities throughout Maryland and across the country,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America.
“With over 8,100 pilots and 37 community airports across Maryland, general aviation is crucial to the economy here in Maryland and across the nation,” said AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller. “We applaud this proclamation, and look forward to continuing to work with the Governor to promote the importance of general aviation and our network of airports.”
“The business aviation community commends Governor O’Malley for his proclamation declaring September ‘General Aviation and Community Airport Month,'” stated National Business Aviation Association President and CEO, Ed Bolen. “Business aviation allows local organizations and businesses to reach customers in regions of the state and beyond that the commercial airlines do not serve. This ability to connect with customers and residents results in $2.1 billion in economic impact and nearly 6,800 jobs in Maryland.”
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials said, “Thanks to our vast network of community airports, citizens across Maryland have access to goods and services that could take hours on ground transportation. Volunteer services as well as businesses and medical organizations are able to have a quick response to customers and citizens because of a well-supported general aviation and community airport system. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor O’Malley and Maryland’s state Aviation Director Paul Wiedefeld to support a strong general aviation industry in the state of Maryland and across the entire country.”
To view this proclamation,click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,500 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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