FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 21, 2013
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 New Hampshire Governor for Declaring March 2013 ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington D.C. – Today, national aviation organizations applauded New Hampshire Governor Margaret Hassan for declaring March 2013 “General Aviation Appreciation Month.”
“The Governor’s proclamation is a significant step in supporting and recognizing the continued importance of general aviation and its benefits to New Hampshire communities. Across the country, general aviation supports 1.2 million jobs and has an annual economic impact of $150 billion,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We thank Governor Hassan and for her work in recognizing the significant and growing importance of the general aviation industry in the state of New Hampshire.”
“In New Hampshire, general aviation and community airports represent a critical local asset, particularly in rural areas. The provide access to important services including medical care, commerce and tourism, among others,” stated Craig Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank Governor Hassan for her recognition of the value of general aviation and local airports.”
Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) stated, “Business aviation in New Hampshire helps to support commerce, local businesses and economic development. The industry in the state supports more than 8,000 jobs and accounts for $639 million in economic activity each year, and we look forward to working with the Governor to raise awareness about the critical importance of business aviation to the local and national economy.”
“General aviation in New Hampshire represents an important transportation network that facilitates commerce, connectivity and resource distribution, and helps to connect it with other regions,” said Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We thank Governor Hassan and Patrick Herlihy, Director of Aeronautics, Rail and Transit, for supporting general aviation at a state and local level and giving this form of transportation the recognition it deserves.”
Tom Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), commented, “Governor Hassan’s proclamation raises awareness of general aviation’s contributions to the success of local businesses, airports and communities across New Hampshire. NATA and its 21 member companies in New Hampshire applaud the Governor’s actions in recognizing general aviation as a vital resource to the state’s competitiveness and growth.
Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) contributed, “General Aviation and helicopters are critically important for medical emergencies, natural disaster relief and business, both in New Hampshire and across the country. This proclamation highlights the critical importance of helicopters and aviation and highlights the value of these resources.”
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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