FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 7, 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 Commend Illinois Governor for Declaring June ‘General Aviation Month’
Washington, DC – Today, national aviation organizations welcomed Illinois Governor Pat Quinn’s proclamation declaring June “General Aviation Month.” Across the state of Illinois, general aviation generates $4.4 billion in economic activity annually, and supports over 54,000 jobs.
“We thank Governor Quinn for recognizing the critical role general aviation airports have in communities throughout Illinois,” Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, commented. “General aviation serves as a lifeline for businesses, charities, law enforcement, and hospitals both in Illinois and throughout the United States. We also appreciate the efforts of the Illinois Pilots Association for helping to recognize the value of general aviation across their state.”
“With a network of over 100 airports across Illinois, general aviation is a significant lifeline and economic engine for local communities throughout the state,” said Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We look forward to working with the Governor to raise awareness of the value of this important industry.”
“For cities and towns throughout Illinois and across the United States, general aviation, including business aviation, helps attract businesses and support jobs,” stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “Across the country, general aviation supports 1.2 million jobs and is responsible for $150 billion in economic impact annually. We commend Governor Quinn for his continued support of the industry in Illinois.”
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) said, “Across the country, local airports serve as an integral part of our communities. These airports support millions of jobs for hard-working Americans and allow businesses to expand and access goods and services. We welcome this proclamation and look forward to continuing to work with Governor Quinn and Illinois Division of Aeronautics Director Dr. Susan Shea.”
“Throughout Illinois, general aviation serves as a crucial link for communities, providing opportunities for local businesses and economic growth,” said Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). “NATA and our members across Illinois thank Governor Quinn for his recognition of the importance of general aviation as a vital tool for the state’s continued growth and competitiveness.”
“Across the United States, helicopters are used to provide life-saving services and many other vital missions conducted on behalf of the greater good,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We commend Governor Quinn for signing this proclamation, and look forward to working with him in the future to further highlight the tremendous economic and operational benefits of helicopters and general aviation.”
To view this 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.
####