South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has declared Aug. 13-18 “Aviation Week” in the Palmetto State.
The proclamation highlights the vital role that all aviation, including general aviation, plays in supporting businesses, farms, emergency response, and the overall economy. Aviation in South Carolina provides thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity, with general aviation alone contributing $417 million in economic activity.
“Throughout South Carolina, 54 public-use airports support more than 3,000 general aviation aircraft and 6,600 pilots,” stated Craig L. Fuller, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “These airports and aircraft expand local commerce, help facilitate medical care and disaster relief and connect communities of South Carolina with the rest of the country. We appreciate Governor Haley’s contribution to generating public awareness of the importance of the general aviation industry.”
“I am happy to see Governor Haley’s proclamation recognizing the importance of general aviation in South Carolina,” stated Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “Across the country, the general aviation industry generates $150 billion every year and supports 1.2 million jobs, including more than 65,000 jobs in South Carolina.”
“America’s network of community and public-use airports supports local jobs and economic opportunities in towns throughout the country,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, president of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “Fifty-four public-use airports in the state of South Carolina are used daily by businesses, manufacturers, and emergency responders to allow them access anywhere in state within hours, literally creating jobs and helping to save lives. We welcome Governor Haley’s signature to this proclamation and look forward to working with South Carolina Aeronautics Commission Program Manager James Stephens on issues concerning airports and the general aviation industry as a whole.”
