Vermont declares ‘GA Appreciation Month’

During an open house Feb. 18 hosted by the Vermont Aerospace & Aviation Association (VAAA) at the Heritage Aviation Facility at Burlington International Airport, Governor Jim Douglas will sign a proclamation declaring February “General Aviation Appreciation Month,” highlighting the significance the industry has on Vermont’s economy.

“As Vermont seeks to rebound from the recession, we have to work to maintain and strengthen industries that positively impact our small towns and businesses,” said Douglas. “By declaring February ‘Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month,’ we’re sending a clear signal that we support this industry that is central to our state’s economic success.”

Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, who founded VAAA in 2006, added, “Our national security, our economic vitality, and our national mobility rely on a strong aerospace and aviation sector. Similarly, Vermont’s aviation sector plays a vital role in our state’s economic well-being and public safety.”

Vermont depends heavily on general aviation. GA alone contributes $274 million, or $430 per capita, to Vermont’s economy annually. Vermont has 16 public-use airports, 1,350 pilots and 877 general aviation aircraft. Aviation, including commercial service, accounts for 9,000 jobs and $225 million in wages to Vermont’s economy. These and other statistics from a newly launched economic impact survey can be found online

For more information: VTChamber.com