FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 18, 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 New York Governor for Declaring May ‘Aviation Appreciation Month’
Washington, DC— Today, national aviation organizations commended New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for declaring May “Aviation Appreciation Month.” In New York, the total economic output of general aviation is over $7 billion.
“We thank Governor Cuomo for his proclamation, which outlines the critical contribution of general aviation aircraft and local airports throughout New York,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation helps businesses to expand their operations and reach new customers while also supporting important services such as law enforcement and health care throughout the state.”
“In New York, general aviation helps local businesses and organizations reach more people and efficiently transport their staff and equipment across the state,” said Mark Baker, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank Governor Cuomo for appreciating the important role of general aviation in New York.”
“Business aviation allows companies in New York to perform more efficiently, maximize time and resources, reach markets large and small, and compete globally,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “General aviation is a significant economic driver, and we thank the Governor for his recognition of business aviation in New York and throughout the country.”
“General aviation is a key component of our national economy, and also connects communities with far-off markets, supplies and critical services,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “EAA and its members thank the Governor for this proclamation and hope it will stimulate interest in the freedom of flight and spread awareness about general aviation and its contributions to our nation.”
Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “General aviation in New York supports local businesses, commerce and helps to connect communities with critically needed resources and services. We thank Governor Cuomo and the Acting Director of the New York DOT Aviation Bureau, Gerardo Mendoza, for their efforts to highlight the substantial impact of New York’s airports and general aviation.”
“Through the use of general aviation, businesses and organizations in New York can reach new markets and compete globally,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in New York thank Governor Cuomo for his recognition of general aviation as a vital resource for businesses across the state.”
“Helicopters and general aviation aircraft play an essential role in emergency and disaster-relief services, allowing personnel to access remote areas and provide aid quickly,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Cuomo for appreciating the ways that these aircraft keep our communities safe.”
To view the New York 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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