FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 13, 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 Applaud Nevada GovernorBrian Sandoval for Declaring June “Aviation Appreciation Month”
Washington, DC – Today, national aviation organizations commended Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval for declaring the month of June”Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Nevada, the industry plays an important role in the local economy, generating an annual economic impact of $31 billion and employing more than 25,000 people. General aviation specifically supports over 3,000 jobs and generates $721 million annually in economic activity.
“We applaud Governor Sandoval for recognizing the significant economic contribution that aviation, and general aviation specifically, supports in the state of Nevada,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “Across the state, these aircraft and airports serve as a literal lifeline to communities, supporting businesses, charities, medical organizations, law enforcement, farmers, andother crucial services. We also thank the Nevada Airport Managers Association for its continued efforts in support of this key industry throughout thestate.”
“The state of Nevada is home to 49 airports, which areutilized by more than 7,000 pilots and over 2,000 general aviation aircraft.General aviation is a critical part of the local economy and state infrastructure, supporting small businesses, agriculture and access to local communities throughout Nevada,” stated Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO ofthe Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look forward to working with Governor Sandoval to highlight the importance of general aviation and local airports.”
“Across Nevada and the country, business aviation is instrumental in providing businesses with access to far off markets, allowing them to visit customers in their local communities, and the use and manufacture of these aircraft supports 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economicactivity annually,” stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National BusinessAviation Association (NBAA). “We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and officials around the country to raise awareness about the value of this critical business tool.”
“Our country’s network of airports serves as a vital link between communities and the rest of the country. Nationally, general aviation airports sustain millions of jobs, supply essential services to rural areas,and help to support local businesses,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President ofthe National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We welcome this proclamation by Governor Sandoval and look forward to continuing work with Nevada State Aviation Manager Eric Glick and other issues on issues affecting general aviation in Nevada.”
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), stated, “We commend Governor Sandoval for proclaiming June’Aviation Appreciation Month.’ This proclamation will help to raise awarenessin Nevada and around the nation about the critical importance of general aviation and local airports, including their role in supporting life-saving services and commerce in all 50 states.”
“Here in the United States, the unique capabilities of general aviation aircraft, and helicopters specifically, provide vital life-saving services to the citizens of Nevada and help to support businesses, hospitals, law enforcement and disaster relief,” said Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Sandoval for this proclamation. We appreciate the warm welcome we’ve received as we prepare to host HELI-EXPO in Las Vegas next March, and look forward toworking with Gov. Sandoval in the future to further highlight the tremendous operational and economic benefits of these aircraft provide to the people ofNevada.”
To view this proclamation,click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,900 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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2012-06-13