Press Releases
Governor Dannel Malloy Declares September ‘General Aviation Appreciation Month’
September 21, 2018
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  • Today, national general aviation organizations applauded Governor Dannel P. Malloy for declaring September “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” In Connecticut, general aviation contributes over $7.4 billion to the state’s total economic output.

    “We thank Governor Malloy for this proclamation which helps raise awareness about the value of general aviation and local airports in Connecticut,” said Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation and local airports support economic growth and activities for communities throughout Connecticut.”

    “General aviation and our network of local airports support various public services throughout Connecticut, including law enforcement, emergency medical transportation, and disaster response,” said Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. “We thank Governor Malloy for supporting general aviation and local airports throughout the state.”

    Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association said, “Business aviation is an important tool that allows companies to stay connected with customers and far-off plants, and compete globally. We appreciate this proclamation and thank Governor Malloy for highlighting this vital business tool.”

    Matt Zuccaro, president of Helicopter Association International stated, “General aviation, including helicopters, support critical jobs and services throughout Connecticut, including over $7 billion in economic impact for the state.  We thank Governor Malloy for recognizing this important economic driver.”

    “General aviation and local airports support well-paying jobs throughout the state, and the communities they support,” said, Timothy R. Obitts, executive vice president and general counsel of the National Air Transportation Association. “We thank Governor Malloy for issuing this proclamation and recognizing the value of general aviation businesses and local airports across Connecticut.”

    “General aviation is an important life-line for communities, and a source of passion for pilots and citizens across the state and country,” said Jack Pelton, chairman and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association. “This proclamation helps to raise awareness to the value of general aviation and the important role it plays in inspiring generations to fly. We thank Governor Malloy for his support.”

    According to the proclamation:

    “Many communities in Connecticut depend heavily on general aviation and community airports for the continued flow of commerce, tourists, and visitors to our 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