FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 20, 2015
Contacts:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202) 223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Steve Hedges (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Dick Knapinski (EAA): (920) 426-6523
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Rebecca Mulholland (NATA): (202) 774-1535
Kim Stevens (NASAO): (703) 610-0223
National Aviation Organizations Commend Missouri Governor for Declaring April ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC— Today, national aviation organizations commended Missouri Governor Jay Nixon for declaring April “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Missouri, general aviation airports contribute more than $857 million to the state’s economy.
“We thank Governor Nixon for his proclamation, which emphasizes the importance of general aviation and local airports in Missouri,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation helps business and commerce to thrive and also supports healthcare, fire fighting and disaster relief services throughout the country.”
“In Missouri and across the country, general aviation aircraft and our network of airports support economic activity and connect communities with critical services and goods,” said Mark Baker, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank Governor Nixon for this proclamation and look forward to working with him to highlight the important role of general aviation and our network of airports throughout the country.”
“Business aviation allows companies in Missouri to quickly reach client meetings and manage their operations across the state,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank the Governor for his proclamation and for recognizing the importance of business aviation in the state of Missouri.”
“General aviation supports our national economy and helps link people and communities together,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We thank Governor Nixon and hope this proclamation will help educate and inspire a new generation of aviators.”
Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “General aviation in Missouri supports local farms, businesses and emergency services throughout the state. We thank Governor Nixon and the Administrator of Aviation, Amy Ludwig, for their work to highlight the significance of the state’s airports and general aviation.”
“General aviation connects businesses with the communities they service and helps them to reach new markets,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Missouri thank Governor Nixon for his recognition of general aviation as a vital resource for businesses and organizations across the state.”
“Helicopters and general aviation aircraft help emergency service personnel to quickly provide aid to those in need,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Nixon for recognizing general aviation’s critical role in keeping our communities safe and secure.”
To view the Missouri proclamation, click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of more than 6,300 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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