National Aviation Organizations Commend Missouri Governor Jay
Nixon For Proclamation
National aviation organizations applauded Missouri Governor Jay
Nixon on Thursday for declaring March "General Aviation
Appreciation Month" during Missouri's "State Aviation Day" in
Jefferson City, MO during a photo opportunity with the Governor.
General aviation in Missouri alone generates $2.4 billion in
economic impact - $437 per capita - to the state's economy each
year.
Governor Jay Nixon
Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation
Across America (AAAA) stated, "We welcome the news of Governor
Nixon's proclamation highlighting the importance of general
aviation to Missouri and thank the Missouri Pilots Association
(MPA) for its dedication to promoting general aviation. General
aviation is a critical lifeline for businesses, law enforcement,
charities, medical organizations, and farmers across Missouri and
the entire United States."
With 131 airports and over 15,000 pilots, Missouri has strong
ties with the aviation community," said Craig L. Fuller, President
and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
"Across Missouri, the aviation industry allows pilots to serve
their customers, reach patients, deliver goods, and assist
communities in times of natural disaster. We are excited
about working with Governor Nixon on continuing to support this
valuable industry."
"Throughout Missouri and across the
United States, business aviation is vital in supporting jobs and
our economy, allowing business to reach their customer base and
transporting essential services to communities in need," stated Ed
Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation
Association (NBAA). "General aviation provides 1.2 million jobs and
$150 billion in economic impact here in the United States. We thank
the governor for raising awareness about the impact of this
industry and other issues that are important to business
aviation."
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the
National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) said,
"Here in the United States, our airport network sustains millions
of jobs, and also provides access to a host of essential services
and resources. I would like to honor the tremendous work of
Missouri Administrator of Aviation Joe Pestka A.I.C.P., who is also
Vice-Chairman of NASAO for his hard work in promoting the critical
impact general aviation has on Missouri and we commend Governor
Nixon for recognizing the importance of the aviation industry in
Missouri and look forward to working closely with him in the
future."
James K. Coyne, President and CEO of
the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), stated "General
aviation's contribution to the State of Missouri and its economy is
significant. This recognition of general aviation's
contribution is a tremendous step forward in letting aviation
businesses voice be heard"
"We thank Governor Jay Nixon for the
opportunity to spotlight the economic and operational benefits of
helicopters and general aviation to communities in Missouri.
The unique capabilities of helicopters provide fast lifesaving
services to the people of Missouri and make possible many other
missions conducted on behalf of its citizens and economy," added
Matthew Zuccaro, President of Helicopter Association International
(HAI).