Governor Considered A 'Leading Advocate' For Aviation

The NBAA has confirmed that Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D), a leading advocate for aviation in his state, will speak at the second day Opening General Session at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA2014), which runs Oct. 21 to 23 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

Markell will also participate in an aviation-related announcement at the Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA) exhibit at NBAA2014. The DRBA’s Airports Division operates two Delaware airports, two airports in New Jersey and the civil air terminal at Delaware’s Dover Air Force Base.

“NBAA is pleased to have Gov. Markell take part in our convention, and share his views on business aviation and the positive economic impact it’s had on his state,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

A former banker, consultant and telecommunications executive who is in his second term as governor, Markell is a longtime proponent of business aviation, citing its importance to his state’s economy and employment. Major aviation firms in Delaware include maintenance and modification providers Dassault Falcon in Wilmington, PATS Aircraft Systems in Georgetown and Summit Aviation in Middletown.

“From getting to know these companies and from his experience in the business world, Gov. Markell recognizes the many vital ways that the industry improves people’s lives, and [he] is looking forward to talking about growing business aviation in the state,” said Markell spokesman Jonathon Dworkin.

In June, Markell and Lt. Gov. Matthew Denn (D) issued a proclamation calling general aviation a “vital strategic resource to the state and the people of Delaware.” General aviation in Delaware supports 15,500 jobs, and the overall aviation industry contributes nearly $1 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to the proclamation.

“The aviation sector has long been a valuable part of Delaware’s economy,” noted Dworkin. “Thriving companies in our state continue to grow and create quality jobs for Delawareans, while performing important work for a critical part of the overall transportation system.”

FMI: www.nbaa.org/events/bace/2014/