Jobs Rally Held In Conjunction With GAMA At Dassault Falcon Jet In New Castle

Delaware Governor Jack Markell, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative John Carney today joined the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and hundreds of general aviation enthusiasts in celebrating general aviation’s significant jobs and economic record in Delaware at a jobs rally. Leaders from Dassault Falcon Jet, FlightSafety International, Summit Aviation, and Aloft AeroArchitects (formerly PATS Aircraft Systems) also made remarks. The event, held at Dassault Falcon Jet in New Castle, is GAMA’s fourteenth jobs rally in the United States.

“We live in a global economy and it is critical that government continue to foster an environment where industries can grow and thrive,” Delaware Governor Jack Markell said. “This aviation jobs rally is indicative of GAMA’s commitment to contributing to the revitalization of our manufacturing industry by promoting high-skill, good-paying jobs in an industry with tremendous growth potential in our state. I am proud to support an organization that believes in investing in our workforce and remaining competitive globally.”
 
“From Delaware’s Coastal Airport in Georgetown in the south to the New Castle County Airport in the north and all of our smaller airports in between, aviation has a strong impact to Delaware’s economy. Aviation supports thousands of jobs and adds millions of dollars to our economy—that’s a big impact on a small state," said Senator Tom Carper (D-DE). "I am happy to support our aviation industry here in the First State and across the country.”
 
“The aviation sector is critical to our state’s economy and provides good-paying middle class jobs for 2,600 Delawareans,” said Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). “Delaware and the rest of America have the potential to significantly expand our aviation manufacturing base, but it is going to require that we both invest in students and job training programs to strengthen our aviation workforce, and dedicate ourselves to remaining globally competitive by modernizing the FAA, investing in our airports, and offering Export-Import Bank financing to American businesses.”
 
“Aviation is a thriving industry in Delaware that continues to grow by the day," said Congressman John Carney (D-DE). "Our qualified, dedicated workforce drives companies like Summit Aviation, Aloft AeroArchitects, FlightSafety International, and Dassault Falcon to set up shop and expand here. We need to continue that growth by investing in STEM education and manufacturing jobs—that way we can ensure that Delaware’s aviation manufacturers, pilots, and students get the support they need to reach even higher levels.”
 
A PricewaterhouseCoopers study published earlier this year found that general aviation supports 2,600 jobs and $588 million in economic output annually in Delaware.
 
“Dassault Falcon Jet has been a part of the Delaware community for close to 15 years,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon Jet. “We have grown this facility into one of our largest maintenance centers in the world. This would not have been possible without our 400 skilled and dedicated employees and strong relationship with Delaware officials.”
 
“Summit Aviation provides aircraft integration, maintenance and refurbishment services for customers around the world,” noted Summit Aviation Vice President and General Manager Ralph Kunz. “We have the infrastructure and dedication to support the ever-increasing demand for aerospace professionals and are poised to support to the growth of the aviation industry in the state of Delaware.”
 
“Throughout Delaware, general aviation manufacturers are creating high-quality jobs, building strong futures for their employees and communities, and impacting economies globally with their products,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “It has been an honor to join with Delaware’s top political leaders to celebrate this impressive industry and the men and women who work so hard every day to make aviation safe and successful.”

(Source: GAMA news release)

FMI: www.gama.aero