‘General Aviation Month’ proclaimed in Virginia

Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell has proclaimed August “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” General aviation generates $728 million in economic impact annually, and supports 5,155 jobs, in the Old Dominion State.

Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, said, “Governor McDonnell understands the essential role that general aviation plays in the economy of Virginia. The general aviation industry not only supports businesses and agriculture throughout the state, but also provides important assistance to local law enforcement and medical professionals not only in Virginia but across the entire country.”

“Virginia has 67 publicly owned airports which are utilized by more than 15,000 pilots and 6,176 general aviation aircraft. General aviation is a major resource for the Commonwealth.” stated Craig Fuller, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “These connections to the general aviation industry allow businesses and citizens across the state to more effectively reach out and more efficiently do business. We look forward to working with Governor McDonnell on utilizing the benefits this valuable industry provides to Virginia.”

“As in every state across the country, business aviation in Virginia provides a major benefit to all sectors of the economy. Nationally, business aviation generates 1.2 million jobs and provides $ 150 billion dollars of economic impact,” said National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We thank Governor Robert McDonnell for acknowledging the many benefits business aviation industry provides Virginia.”

“Local airports provide important connections to local communities across the country. Nationally, general aviation airports sustain millions of jobs which supply essential services to large areas and make it possible for local businesses to expand without leaving their neighborhoods.” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We welcome this proclamation and look forward to continuing work with Governor Robert McDonnell and Virginia Department of Aviation Director Randall Burdette on issues affecting general aviation in Virginia.”

James Coyne, president and CEO of the National Air Transport Association (NATA), said “We thank Governor Robert McDonnell in recognizing the contribution that general aviation plays for the state of Virginia by declaring the month of August “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” This proclamation confirms that general aviation is a job creator, an economic driver and the conduit to the national and global air transportation systems via its 67 publicly owned airports.”