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).

FMI: http://governor.mo.gov