State Claims 51 Public Airports, 4,000 Pilots, And One
Under-Construction Spaceport
The Alliance for Aviation Across America, AOPA, the NBAA, and
the National Association of State Aviation Officials on
Wednesday commended New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's recent
declaration naming September "Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation
Month." The proclamation highlighted the importance of New
Mexico's 51 publicly-owned airports and more than 4,000 general
aviation pilots that help drive support industries such as tourism,
police and fire protections, agriculture, and businesses across the
state.
"We applaud Governor Richardson for highlighting the immense
value that general aviation provides to not only New Mexico, but
the entire country," said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the
Alliance for Aviation Across America. "General aviation is a
literal lifeline for business, organ and blood transport, law
enforcement, and search-and rescue efforts, particularly for
communities without commercial airline service."
"The business aviation community would like to applaud Governor
Richardson for his support of the aviation industry," said National
Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen. "General
aviation in New Mexico alone contributes $761 million in economic
impact and allows businesses to reach areas of the state the
commercial airlines do not serve. Many businesses owe their success
their aircraft and we commend the governor for his support and
recognition of this essential industry."
"With more than 4,800 general aviation pilots and more than 60
public-use airports across the state, general aviation helps to
drive the economies of these local communities and supports
everything from medical care to business growth, and agriculture to
law enforcement across New Mexico," said AOPA President and CEO
Craig L. Fuller. "We appreciate Governor Richardson's recognition
of the economic impact of general aviation and look forward to
working with him to promote these important airports and
aircraft."
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of
State Aviation Officials said, "Our vast network of community
airports is critical to sustaining the millions of jobs, and
providing access to a host of important services and resources.
David Ploeger, Director of the New Mexico Department of
Transportation's Aviation Division has been vital in continuing to
promote a solid aerospace and aviation industry within New Mexico.
I applaud both him and Governor Richardson for their hard work and
look forward to continuing to work with them in the future."
Of course, New Mexico is also home to SpacePort America, which
will serve has home base for Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo. The
commercial spaceport has been under construction since 2009, with
the runway expected to be finished later this year.
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