GA Contributes More Than $494 Million Each Year To The Arkansas Economy
The Alliance for Aviation Across America today applauded Governor Asa Hutchinson for declaring February 2017 “General Aviation Appreciation Month”. In Arkansas, general aviation airports support an economic value of more than $494 million annually.
“General aviation is a critical tool that supports Arkansas farms, businesses, and communities,” said Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We thank Governor Hutchinson for issuing this proclamation and recognizing general aviation’s role in connecting communities across the state.”
“Using business aviation, companies in Arkansas can more effectively manage their daily operations, reach their customers, transport essential supplies, and engage new marketplaces,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank the Governor for this proclamation and look forward to working with him on issues critical to business aviation.”
Mark Kimberling, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) responded, “Arkansas’ 100 public-use airports are a critical part of the state’s transportation infrastructure. We thank Governor Hutchinson and Director of the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics, Jerry Chism, for their support of general aviation and community airports throughout the state.”
“General aviation businesses are critical to the economy of Arkansas, supporting jobs and providing resources to communities across the state,” said Martin Hiller, President of the National Air Transportation Association. "NATA and our member companies in Arkansas thank Governor Hutchinson for recognizing the importance of general aviation to the state’s competitiveness and growth.”
According to the proclamation:
“According to the Arkansas State Airport System Plan, more than 77 percent of all annual aircraft operations in the state are attributable to general aviation.”
(Source: AAAA news release)