National Aviation Organizations Welcome Proclamation
National aviation organizations on Monday welcomed Mississippi
House of Representatives' declaration of May as "General Aviation
Appreciation Month." General aviation in Mississippi alone
generates about $860 million in economic impact annually,
supporting over 1,563 jobs.
"We commend the Mississippi House of Representatives for
recognizing the vital economic impact general aviation has across
Mississippi," Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for
Aviation Across America, commented. "The General aviation industry
provides essential services to local businesses, charities, medical
organizations, law enforcement, and farmers throughout Mississippi
and the entire country.
"In Mississippi and across the United States, the business
aviation community is a driving force of local businesses,
communities and economies. We thank the Mississippi House of
Representatives for its recognition of all general aviation,
including business aviation, and the impact that this industry has
on their communities," said National Business Aviation Association
President and CEO Ed Bolen. "Across the United States, the industry
provides 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic impact. As a
valuable economic tool, this proclamation emphasizes the immense
role of this industry and other issues important to business
aviation."
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of
State Aviation Officials said, "Local airports are the lifeblood of
our communities all across the country. They provide good jobs to
millions of hard-working people, and make it possible for local
business to expand and access essential services while remaining a
part of the community. This proclamation signifies the pivotal
value of general aviation in the state of Mississippi. We welcome
the signing of this proclamation and look forward in continuing to
work with the Mississippi State Legislature, Aeronautics Division
Director Thomas M. Booth Jr. and in the future with Governor
Barbour."
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air
Transportation Association (NATA), stated "We applaud the
Mississippi House of Representatives for this proclamation
recognizing 'General Aviation Appreciation Month.' The proclamation
from the Mississippi State Legislature is yet another positive step
in highlighting the critical importance of the general aviation
industry for our economy and our nation as a whole."
"Across the United States, helicopters are utilized to provide
lifesaving services to our communities, along with many other vital
missions conducted on behalf of the greater good," said Matthew
Zuccaro, President of Helicopter Association International (HAI).
"We welcome the proclamation by the Mississippi House of
Representatives, and look forward to working with them to further
highlight the tremendous economic and operational benefits of
helicopters and general aviation throughout their state."
"Mississippi is home to more than 6,830 pilots and 3,178 general
aviation aircraft. With 79 airports across the state, general
aviation is a significant engine of economic growth for local
communities throughout the state," said AOPA President and CEO
Craig L. Fuller. "We appreciate the Mississippi House of
Representatives' recognition of the importance of general aviation
and the economic benefits it provides their communities, and look
forward to working with state and local officials to continue to
raise awareness of general aviation."