FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2011
Contact:
Aren Ghazarians (AAAA): (202) 334-1131
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Chris Dancy (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Kristen Moore (NATA): (703)845-9000
National Aviation Organizations Praise Kansas Governor Sam Brownback for Declaring May “Aviation Appreciation Month”
Washington, DC – Earlier today, national aviation organizations applauded Kansas Governor Sam Brownback for declaring May “Aviation Appreciation Month” during the Aviation Summit at the National Center for Aviation Training in Wichita, Kansas. General aviation in Kansas alone generates over $7 billion in economic impact annually, which is largely attributable to the presence of major manufacturing companies such as Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft and Bombadier.
Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA) stated, “We applaud Governor Brownback recognizing the immense value of general aviation in Kansas and around the country. General aviation not only is a crucial part of our economy, but serves as a critical lifeline for communities in terms of law enforcement, medical care, and a host of important services and resources.”
“With more than forty percent of the world’s general aviation aircraft being assembled in Wichita alone, Kansas is a critical hub for GA. We commend Governor Brownback for issuing this important proclamation, and look forward to working with him to raise awareness about the value of general aviation and our network of small airports to our economy and communities around the nation,” said Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
“We thank Governor Brownback for highlighting the impact business aviation has in Kansas,” stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “Across the United States and in Kansas in particular, business aviation has an enormous economic impact and helps generate thousands of jobs. This proclamation is an important step in recognizing the value and impact of this industry and other issues important to business aviation.”
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) said, “Throughout the United States, our extensive airport network supports millions of jobs, providing critical access to a host of essential resources and services. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Brownback and Director of Aviation C. Edward Young, to support a vibrant general aviation industry in Kansas.”
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), stated “Kansas has always been an industry leader when it comes to general aviation. This proclamation only further demonstrates the tremendous economic impact this industry has in Kansas and throughout the United States.”
“With their unique capabilities, helicopters provide lifesaving services to communities throughout Kansas, along with many other missions conducted on behalf of the greater good,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of Helicopter Association International (HAI). We welcome Governor Brownback’s proclamation and thank him for the opportunity to spotlight the economic and operational benefits of helicopters and general aviation to communities across Kansas.”
To view this proclamation,click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,700 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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