]Today, national general aviation organizations applauded Governor Doug Burgum for declaring March 2019 “Aviation Month.” In North Dakota, general aviation airports support more than $121 million in total economic output.
“General aviation supports towns, cities, businesses and farms all throughout North Dakota,” said Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We thank Governor Burgum for issuing this proclamation and recognizing the value of general aviation.”
Mark Baker, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said, “General aviation plays an important role in supporting North Dakota’s airports, businesses, communities and agriculture. We thank Governor Burgum for this proclamation and for highlighting the importance of general aviation and local airports.”
“Business aviation is an important tool for companies of all sizes and is particularly important for companies in rural areas that have a global presence,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association. “We thank Governor Burgum for issuing this proclamation and recognizing the value of general aviation, including business aviation.”
Matt Zuccaro, president and CEO of Helicopter Association International said, “General aviation aircraft, including helicopters, are crucial to supporting law enforcement efforts, particularly search and rescue operations. Furthermore, during severe weather, general aviation aircraft are sometimes the only means for transporting injured individuals. We appreciate Governor Burgum for issuing this proclamation and highlighting the value of general aviation.”
“Local airports support highly technical, well-paying careers that support communities throughout the state,” said Gary Dempsey, president of the National Air Transportation Association. “We thank Governor Burgum for this proclamation and for recognizing the value of general aviation and local airports.”
“General aviation is a source of passion for both hobbyist pilots and professional pilots who wish to take to the skies,” said Jack Pelton, CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association. “This proclamation puts a spotlight on general aviation and its importance to the state of North Dakota and the pilots who live there.”
“North Dakota’s 89 public-use airports are an important part of the state’s infrastructure,” said Shelly Simi, president and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. “Community airports play an important role in connecting rural communities to other parts of the world, and attracting new businesses to the area. We thank Governor Burgum and Kyle Wanner, Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, for supporting general aviation and local airports throughout the state.”
According to the proclamation:
“The Aviation and aerospace industry continues to play an increasing role as an economic catalyst in North Dakota, creating over 32,000 jobs and contributing an estimated $3.6 billion annually to the state’s economy.”
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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