FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 15, 2015
Contacts:
National Aviation Organizations Commend Maryland Governor for Declaring September “General Aviation and Community Airport Month”
Washington, DC—National aviation organizations applauded Maryland Governor Larry Hogan today for declaring September 2015 “General Aviation and Community Airport Month.” The proclamation highlights the important role of general aviation in Maryland, where it supports over 6,300 jobs and contributes more than $700 million in business-generated revenue to the economy annually.
“We thank Governor Hogan for recognizing the many contributions of general aviation and community airports across Maryland,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “This proclamation will help to spread the message that general aviation is a vital economic driver and supports agriculture, law enforcement, disaster response and a host of other critical services here in Maryland and across the country.”
Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) said, “General aviation and the airports that serve it are critical for connecting the people of Maryland with one another and the rest of the nation. From providing transportation for the residents of isolated communities and small islands off the coast to providing humanitarian aid, emergency response, agricultural support, and dozens of other services, general aviation plays a crucial role in the life of Maryland’s citizens and businesses. We thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of general aviation in his state.”
“Business aviation helps Maryland companies to compete in our increasingly global economy, and allows these businesses to manage operations in multiple locations and maximize productivity,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank Governor Hogan for recognizing the importance of general aviation and look forward to working with him in the future.”
“General aviation is not only a key component of our transportation network and economy, but also an inspiration for so many,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We thank the Governor and hope that his proclamation will help build awareness about aviation.”
Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “Community airports support local jobs, businesses and critical services throughout Maryland. We thank Governor Hogan and Ricky D. Smith Sr., Executive Director of the Maryland Aviation Administration, for working to highlight the important role of general aviation and community airports.”
“General aviation and community airports are essential to growing the local and national economy and fostering competitiveness among businesses in Maryland and across the country,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in the state appreciate Governor Hogan’s support of general aviation and look forward to continuing to raise awareness about the importance of general aviation.”
“Helicopters and general aviation aircraft are essential to supporting emergency response, local commerce, medical care, law enforcement and connecting communities to the services they need,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Hogan for recognizing the essential role of general aviation in supporting our local communities and businesses.”
Governor Hogan’s proclamation is available
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.
####