FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 7, 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 Commend Tennessee Governor for Declaring September ‘Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC – National aviation organizations today commended Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam for declaring September “Aviation Appreciation Month.” The proclamation was presented by Tennessee Department of Transportation Secretary John Schroer to the Alliance and John Black, president of the Tennessee Aviation Association, during this year’s Tennessee Airports Conference held in Nashville, TN. According to a Merge Global study, general aviation generates $2.57 billion annually in economic activity for the state.
“The Alliance would like to thank Governor Haslam for highlighting the importance of general aviation for communities across Tennessee,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation and the state’s network of general aviation airports are a critical resource for rural communities, providing access to emergency medical treatment, business links and agricultural services for farmers. We would also like to thank the Tennessee Aviation Association for helping to support general aviation throughout Tennessee.”
“Tennessee is home to 79 public-use airports that are utilized by more than 12,000 pilots. The state’s airports and pilots are an integral to keeping communities connected and allowing essential services and resources to reach businesses, charities, farms and other groups around the state,” stated Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look forward to working with Governor Haslam to continue to raise awareness about the value of general aviation airports and aircraft in Tennessee and around the nation.”
“In communities throughout the United States, general aviation, including business aviation, support 1.2 million jobs and is responsible for $150 billion annually in economic activity. This proclamation by Governor Haslam highlights the importance of general aviation to local communities to attract businesses and support vital jobs both in Tennessee and across the country,” stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
“Our country’s vast network of airports are an integral part of our communities, supporting millions of jobs, allowing businesses to operate, and helping to support resources to local towns,” stated National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) President Henry Ogrodzinski. “We welcome Governor Haslam’s proclamation and look forward to continuing to work with him and Aviation Director Bill Orellana in promoting the importance of the aviation industry in Tennessee.”
National Air Transportation Association President and CEO Tom Hendricks, stated “The aviation community thanks Governor Haslam for issuing this proclamation, which further demonstrates the important role of this industry and the tremendous economic impact that general aviation and local airports have on communities throughout the United States.”
“For communities across America, general aviation aircraft, and helicopters specifically, are essential tools in business and public safety,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We appreciate Governor Haslam’s signing of this proclamation, and look forward to working with him to further highlight the tremendous economic and operational benefits of helicopters and general aviation.”
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,800 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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