Today, the Alliance for Aviation Across America applauded Governor Bill Walker for declaring May 2018 as “Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Alaska, general aviation contributes over $1.1 billion to the state’s total economic output.
“General aviation plays an important role in supporting communities across Alaska,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “For 169 Alaska communities, air travel is the only means of getting in or out of the area due to lack of roads or ferry services. Without general aviation, these communities would lack access to transportation, medical care, groceries, and other resources. We thank Governor Walker for issuing this proclamation and highlighting the importance of general aviation.”
“General aviation businesses and airports play a vital role in supporting the needs of people, communities and local businesses across Alaska,” said Timothy R. Obitts, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies across the state applaud Governor Walker for highlighting this important industry and the critical resources that it provides to The Last Frontier.”
According to the proclamation:
“Aviation provides a significant contribution to the development of commerce, promoting a healthy economy and strong communities. Therefore, Alaska has a significant and vested interest in the continued vitality of aircraft operations, aircraft maintenance, flight training, community airports, backcountry airstrips, and general aviation across our great state.”
To view the proclamation, click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 6,300 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interests of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.
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