Contact:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202)223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Benet Wilson (AOPA): (301) 695-2162
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Kristen Moore (NATA): (703)845-9000
Kathryn Solee (NASAO): (703) 417-1880
National Aviation Organizations Welcome Proclamation From Governor Bobby Jindal Declaring December “General Aviation Appreciation Month”
Washington, DC – National aviation organizations today welcomed Governor Bobby Jindal’s proclamation declaring December “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” Louisiana becomes the 35th state to recognize the importance of general aviation. Throughout Louisiana, general aviation contributes $2.05 billion, or $454 per capita, to the state’s economy annually.
“We thank Governor Jindal for recognizing the critical role of general aviation across Louisiana,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We appreciate the efforts of the Louisiana Airport Managers Association and are very pleased to have Louisiana be the 35th state to recognize the value of general aviation. Local community airports and general aviation aircraft are a tremendous resource, serving as a lifeline for businesses, charities, law enforcement, and hospitals not only across Louisiana but throughout the United States.”
“With over 9,500 registered pilots and 74 airports throughout the state, general aviation is a significant economic engine for local communities in Louisiana,” said Craig L. Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of general aviation and we look forward to working with state and local officials to further raise awareness of this vital industry.”
“We commend Governor Jindal for his support of all general aviation, including business aviation in Louisiana,” stated Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “In Louisiana and throughout the country, business aviation is crucial for strong economies and jobs. It allows businesses to reach their customer base, and also allows essential services to reach communities in need. Here in the United States, this essential industry provides 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic impact.”
Our nation’s network of airports is critical to sustaining millions of jobs and allowing businesses to expand and access essential services while remaining part of the local community,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We look forward to working with Governor Jindal and Director of Aviation Brad Brandt on issues relating to aviation across Louisiana.”
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) stated, “Across the country, general aviation supports local economies, law enforcement, medical care, and serves as a resource for countless other important services. By declaring December ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month,’ Governor Jindal and Louisiana have joined a long list of states in recognizing just how important and vital this industry is to both local and our national economy.”
“Across the United States, the unique capabilities of general aviation aircraft, and specifically helicopters, provide vital lifesaving services, such as medical transportation, law enforcement, and search and rescue,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We appreciate Governor Jindal’s proclamation and look forward to working with him in the future to further highlight the tremendous operational and economic benefits of general aviation and helicopters.”
To view this proclamation,click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,800 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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2011-12-12