FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 1, 2012
Contact:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202)223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Benet Wilson (AOPA): (301) 695-2162
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Eric Byer (NATA): (703) 845-9000
Kathryn Solee (NASAO): (703) 417-1880
National Aviation Organizations Commend Maine Governor Paul LePage forDeclaring April “General Aviation Appreciation Month”
Washington, DC – Today, national aviation organizations applaudedMaine Governor Paul LePage for declaring April “General Aviation AppreciationMonth.” Maine becomes the 38th state to officially recognize the importance ofgeneral aviation and its tremendous economic impact, both locally andnationally. Across the state, general aviation airports have an annualeconomic output of $521 million.
“The Alliance would like to thank Governor LePage for recognizing theenormous contributions of general aviation in the state of Maine” stated SelenaShilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America.”Generalaviation and community airports across the country provide a critical lifelineto emergency services and business opportunities, especially in rural areas. Wewould also like to recognize the efforts of the Maine Airport ManagersAssociation in their support of this proclamation.”
“With 68 airports and more than 2,600 pilots, general aviation inMaine helps keep the state’s communities connected by providing essentialservices and supporting local businesses,” stated Craig L. Fuller, Presidentand CEO of the Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look forwardto working with Governor Paul LePage to raise awareness about the tremendousvalue general aviation airports and aircraft provide to local communities, bothin Maine, and across our nation.”
“Here in the United States, general aviation, including businessaviation, supports 1.2 million jobs and is responsible for $150 billionannually in economic activity. Governor LePage’s proclamation highlights theimpact general aviation has on helping local communities across the countryattract businesses and providing much needed jobs,” stated Ed Bolen, Presidentand CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of StateAviation Officials (NASAO) said, “Our country’s network of airports is criticalin sustaining millions of jobs to hard-working individuals and providing accessto a host of important services and resources. These airports are an integralpart of our communities and we thank Govenor LePage for recognizing theirimportance.”
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air TransportationAssociation (NATA), stated, “We welcome Governor LePage’s proclamation, whichis an important recognition of the tremendous value of general aviation incommunities across Maine. By declaring April “General Aviation AppreciationMonth,” Governor LePage and the state of Maine join 37 other states inacknowledging the importance of general aviation to both the state and nationaleconomy.”
“For communities across the country, helicopters provide vitallifesaving services conducted for the greater community or economic good,” saidMatthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “Weappreciate Governor LePage’s signing of this proclamation and look forward toworking with him in the future to further highlight the tremendous economic andoperational benefits of helicopters and general aviation.”
To view this proclamation,click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is anon-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,800 individuals representingbusinesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials,charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that supportthe interest of the general aviation community across various publicpolicy issues.
####
2012-05-01