FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2011
Contact:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202) 223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Andrew Broom (AOPA): (301) 695 – 2150
Kristen Moore (NATA): (703) 845-9000
Kathryn Solee (NASAO): (703) 417-1880
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Groups Praise Texas Governor Rick Perry for Declaring November “General Aviation Appreciation Month”
Washington, DC – National aviation organizations today welcomed a proclamation from Texas Governor Rick Perry declaring November “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” According to the Texas Department of Transportation, general aviation alone drives over $14.6 billion in economic activity and supports over 61,000 jobs across the state.
“We thank Governor Perry for his proclamation highlighting the importance of general aviation to Texas, and also recognize the Texas Airport Council for their hard work in making this proclamation a reality ” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation is a critical lifeline for businesses, law enforcement, charities, medical organizations, and farmers across Texas and the entire United States, and this proclamation is an important step in helping to raise awareness about this important form of transportation.”
“Texas is home to 50,932 pilots and close to 400 airports that serve businesses, individuals, and organizations of all types. The vast size of the state makes air travel especially critical in Texas, and we thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of general aviation,” said Craig L. Fuller, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. “We look forward to working with state and local officials to further raise awareness of and support for this vital industry.”
“In Texas and throughout the nation, business aviation is crucial to supporting strong economies and jobs, helping businesses to reach their customer base, and bringing essential services to communities in need.” stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “All told ,business aviation supports 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic impact annually. We look forward to working with the Governor to further raise awareness about the industry’s importance to his state and the country.”
“Across the country, general aviation and our network of airports are an integral part of our local communities, and a valuable resource for businesses and organizations,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We welcome this proclamation, and look forward to continuing to work with Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division Director David Fulton on issues relating to aviation across Texas.”
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transport Association (NATA) stated, “General aviation supports local economies, law enforcement, medical care, and serves as a resource for countless other important services. We thank Governor Perry for highlighting the significance of this industry to the communities of Texas.”
“With its unique capabilities, helicopters provide vital services for citizens throughout Texas, along with many other missions conducted on behalf of the greater good,” said Matt Zuccaro, President of Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Perry for this opportunity to spotlight the economic and operational benefits that helicopters and general aviation provide to the people of Texas.”
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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2011-11-15