FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 15, 2012
Contacts:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202) 223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Steve Hedges (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Jim Coon (NATA): (703) 845-9000
Bridgette Bailey (NASAO): (703) 417-1883
National Aviation Organizations Applaud Arizona Governor for Declaring January 15th ‘Aviation Day’
Washington, DC – Today, national aviation organizations applauded Arizona Governor Jan Brewer for declaring January 15 “Aviation Day.” The proclamation highlights the vital role that all aviation, including general aviation, has in supporting businesses, farms, emergency response, and the overall economy. In Arizona, the general aviation industry contributes an estimated $1.8 billion into the economy every year and supports nearly 10,000 jobs.
“We thank Governor Brewer for drawing attention to this important sector of the economy,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation and local airports aid in business and job growth, and also support law enforcement, medical care, disaster relief, fire fighting and nearly every aspect of public safety.”
“General aviation throughout Arizona plays a vital role in supporting communities,” stated Craig Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank Governor Brewer for her recognition of the value of general aviation and hope this proclamation will raise awareness about the critical importance of general aviation and local airports to the local and national economy.”
“Community airports are engines of growth and job creation in local economies, and general aviation is an enormous asset to businesses that use it, as studies have repeatedly shown,” commented Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “Across the country, business aviation supports 1.2 million jobs and generates $150 billion every year. We commend Governor Brewer for highlighting these benefits and look forward to working with her in the future.”
“Arizona’s network of more than 200 airports helps to connect communities in the state and across the nation with emergency services and business opportunities,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We appreciate the efforts of Governor Brewer in raising awareness about general aviation and Arizona DOT Aeronautics Group Manager Michael Klein in his continued advocacy on behalf of general aviation.”
Tom Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transport Association (NATA) said, “We thank Governor Brewer for recognizing the importance of the general aviation industry. In addition to general aviation’s vast economic contribution, these aircraft and airports are fundamental in 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.”
“From ensuring public safety to assisting remote construction projects, the versatility of general aviation aircraft, and helicopters in particular, make them an essential tool in many diverse applications,” said Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We appreciate Governor Brewer for acknowledging the pivotal role of general aviation in the state of Arizona.”
To view the proclamation, click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 6,000 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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