FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 4, 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
Kim Stevens (NASAO): (703) 417-1884
National Aviation Organizations Welcome Delaware Governor’s Proclamation Declaring June ‘Delaware General Aviation Month’
Washington, DC – Today, national aviation organizations welcomed Delaware Governor Jack Markell’s proclamation declaring June “Delaware General Aviation Month.” Across the state of Delaware, general aviation has an economic impact of $188 million annually.
“We would like to thank Governor Markell and Lt. Governor Denn for their continued support of general aviation,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “Local airports and the general aviation industry play a critical role in our communities, serving businesses, law enforcement, farms, and medical care providers.”
“Delaware’s airports and pilots are integral to keeping communities connected and allowing essential services and resources to reach businesses 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 Markell to continue to raise awareness about the value of general aviation airports and aircraft in Delaware and around the nation.”
“Here in the United States, the general aviation industry, including business aviation, generates $150 billion every year and supports 1.2 million jobs,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We commend the Governor for signing this proclamation recognizing the benefits of business aviation for local communities in Delaware and across the United States.”
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “Airports and general aviation throughout Delaware support businesses, manufacturers, and emergency responders, maintaining local jobs and creating economic opportunity. We look forward to working with Governor Markell and the Assistant Director of Planning at the Delaware Department of Transportation, Roberta Geier, on issues concerning airports and general aviation.”
“Across Delaware, general aviation serves as a vital link for communities and businesses, providing opportunities for competitiveness and growth throughout the state,” said Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). “NATA and its member companies across Delaware applaud Governor Markell for highlighting the importance of this essential mode of transportation.”
“Throughout the state of Delaware, helicopters serve an essential role in supporting businesses and public safety thanks to their speed and versatility,” stated Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We appreciate Governor Markell’s efforts to recognize the vital importance that general aviation, and specifically helicopters, bring to people across Delaware.”
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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