FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 18, 2014
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): (703) 845-9000
National Aviation Organizations Commend Arizona Governor for Declaring February 18 ‘Aviation Day’
Washington, DC— National aviation organizations today commended Arizona Governor Jan Brewer for proclaiming February 18th “Aviation Day.” In Arizona, general aviation airports contribute about $609 million to the state’s economy and supports 6,890 jobs.
“This proclamation helps to educate the public about the benefits of general aviation and airports across Arizona, which connect communities with everything from medical care, to fire-fighting, and law enforcement,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We thank Governor Brewer for her efforts in highlighting the value general aviation in Arizona.”
“In Arizona and across the country, general aviation and local airports play a vital role in supporting critical services and local communities. In addition, general aviation represents a vibrant industry that provides jobs to hard-working Americans,” stated Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank Governor Brewer for her recognition of the value of general aviation and local airports.”
Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) said, “Business aviation supports 1.2 million jobs and generates $150 billion every year, including thousands of jobs and significant economic activity in Arizona. We appreciate Governor Brewer’s support of this important economic driver, and her leadership in introducing this proclamation to recognize it.”
“General aviation is more than an economic driver and critical link to emergency services—it captures the imagination of young people, sparking an interest in science and technology. Local airports and the events they host are important to the identity of many cities and towns across the country,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We thank Governor Brewer for bringing attention to general aviation and helping us to grow participation, especially in regards to introducing the possibilities of flight to young people.”
“Across Arizona, aviation helps local groups and first responders to react quickly to emergencies and natural disasters, deliver goods and medical care, and support local businesses,” said Tom Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). “NATA and our aviation business members across Arizona thank Governor Brewer for highlighting the benefits of general aviation in the state and across the United States.”
“Arizona’s helicopters and helicopter pilots are vital to emergency services throughout the state and give greater access to rural communities,” said Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “Governor Brewer’s recognition of the importance of general aviation is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to working with her in the future.”
To view the 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.
####