Maryland's Martin O'Malley Declares September "General Aviation And Community Airport Month"

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley (D) proclaimed September as "General Aviation and Community Airport Month" in ceremonies in Columbia, Maryland Friday. The Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA), AOPA, NBAA, and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) all praised the Governor's decision to joing a growing list of state's chief executives who have officially recognized the value of general aviation.

Governor O'Malley

"I am pleased to recognize this vital system of community airports and aircraft that contributes $2.1 billion in to our local economy and creates nearly 6,800 jobs to our state," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "It's important that we continue to support this industry, which is vital to not only Maryland, but the entire country."
 
"We commend Governor O'Malley for his recognition of the impact general aviation has on communities across Maryland. These aircraft and community airports are a literal lifeline for businesses, charities, law enforcement, and hospitals particularly for communities throughout Maryland and across the country," said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America.
 
"The business aviation community commends Governor O'Malley for his proclamation declaring September 'General Aviation and Community Airport Month,'" stated National Business Aviation Association President and CEO, Ed Bolen. "Business aviation allows local organizations and businesses to reach customers in regions of the state and beyond that the commercial airlines do not serve. This ability to connect with customers and residents results in $2.1 billion in economic impact and nearly 6,800 jobs in Maryland."

Ed Bolen

"With over 8,100 pilots and 37 community airports across Maryland, general aviation is crucial to the economy here in Maryland and across the nation," said AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller.  "We applaud this proclamation, and look forward to continuing to work with the Governor to promote the importance of general aviation and our network of airports."

Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials said, "Thanks to our vast network of community airports, citizens across Maryland have access to goods and services that could take hours on ground transportation. Volunteer services as well as businesses and medical organizations are able to have a quick response to customers and citizens because of a well-supported general aviation and community airport system. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor O'Malley and Maryland's state Aviation Director Paul Wiedefeld to support a strong general aviation industry in the state of Maryland and across the entire country."

FMI: www.governor.maryland.gov