National Aviation Organizations Welcome Proclamation
The usual cadre of national aviation organizations welcomed news
Wednesday that Governor Chris Christie (pictured) has declared May
"General Aviation Appreciation Month." GA in New Jersey alone
generates over $4 billion in economic impact annually, supporting
over 18,000 jobs.
"We are very excited that Governor
Christie has signed a proclamation highlighting the
importance and immense value that general aviation provides
not only in New Jersey, but the across the United States," said
Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation
Across America. "We'd like to thank the New Jersey Aviation
Association and the Morristown Municipal Airport for their
dedication in promoting general aviation. General aviation serves
as a lifeline for businesses, charities, medical organizations, law
enforcement, and farmers across New Jersey and throughout the
United States.
"The business aviation community
applauds Governor Christie for his support of the aviation
industry," said National Business Aviation Association President
and CEO Ed Bolen. "Across the United States, general aviation
provides 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic impact. This
proclamation raises the awareness of the immense impact of this
industry and other issues that are important to business
aviation."
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the
National Association of State Aviation Officials said, "Across the
United States, our vast network of community airports is critical
in sustaining millions of jobs and providing access to a host of
important services and resources. We welcome the signing of this
proclamation and look forward to working with Governor Christie,
Commissioner James Simpson and Director of Multimodal Services
Talvin Davis in the future."
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of
the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), stated "The
aviation community thanks Governor Christie for issuing this
proclamation. It only further demonstrates the important role of
this industry and the tremendous economic impact it has throughout
the United States.
"The unique capabilities of helicopters
allow them to provide vital lifesaving services to communities
throughout New Jersey, along with many other missions conducted on
behalf of the greater good," said Matthew Zuccaro, President of
Helicopter Association International (HAI). We welcome Governor
Christie's proclamation and thank him for the opportunity to
spotlight the economic and operational benefits of helicopters and
general aviation to communities across his state."
"With more than 14,000 general aviation
pilots and more than 40 public-use airports across the state,
general aviation helps to drive the economies of local communities
across New Jersey," said AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller.
"We appreciate Governor Christie's recognition of the economic
impact of general aviation and look forward to working with him to
promote these important airports and aircraft."