FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 24, 2012
Contacts:
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 Oklahoma Governor for Declaring August ‘Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC -Today, national aviation organizations commended Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin for declaring August “Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month.” The proclamation highlights the important role of general aviation and local airports in supporting business, ranches and farms, and medical services, as well as the overall economy. In Oklahoma, the general aviation industry generates $1.2 billion annually in total economic impact, while the aviation and aerospace industry as a whole supports over 115,000 jobs.
“I am proud to join pilots, businesses and airports in recognizing the tremendous impact of commercial and general aviation on our State,” Governor Mary Fallin commented. “For many Oklahoma communities, general aviation in particular is an economic driver, and supports jobs, businesses and vital services throughout our state. I am proud to join other Governors around the nation in recognizing this vital form of transportation.”
“We commend Governor Fallin for recognizing the immense value of general aviation and local airports to communities around Oklahoma,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation and local airports support businesses and job growth, and serve as a lifeline for small communities throughout the state.”
“In Oklahoma, there are 139 public-use airports, 11,000 general aviation aircraft and nearly 8,000 pilots across the state,” stated Craig L. Fuller, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “These airports and aircraft support local commerce, help to facilitate medical care and disaster relief, and connect communities in Oklahoma with the rest of the country. We look forward to working with Governor Fallin to increase awareness about the importance of the general aviation industry.”
“Across the country, business aviation helps companies of all sizes operate more efficiently. In rural communities, it is especially important as a link to the global economy,” stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank Governor Fallin for signing this proclamation and for recognizing the vast benefits of general aviation for businesses and communities in Oklahoma and across the United States.”
“America’s network of community airports supports local jobs and communities throughout the country,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO).“With 139 public-use airports in the state of Oklahoma, businesses, medical care providers, law enforcement and organizations across the state can access other markets and resources in other regions of the country quickly and efficiently. We welcome this proclamation and look forward to working with Governor Fallin and Victor Bird, Director of Aeronautics, on issues concerning airports and the general aviation.
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transport Association (NATA) said “In addition to their vast economic contribution, general aviation aircraft are fundamental to supporting the efforts of police, firefighters, emergency medical responders, search and rescue teams, non-profit organizations and natural disaster relief crews which help to ensure public safety. We applaud Governor Fallin for this effort to highlight the importance of general aviation and local airports.”
“General aviation aircraft, and helicopters specifically, are essential tools for business and public safety in Oklahoma,” said Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “The speed and versatility of helicopters make them valuable tools in supporting business as well as saving lives. We appreciate Governor Fallin’s efforts recognize the vital importance of general aviation in the state of Oklahoma.”
To view the 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.
####