Citing more than $50 billion in annual economic benefit and jobs for almost 400,000 New Yorkers, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared May 2013 “Aviation Appreciation Month” in the Empire State.
“Business aviation is a critical tool for companies in New York to improve efficiency, save money and open up opportunities for rural areas not served by commercial aviation, thereby bringing new business, investment and jobs to all areas of the state,” Cuomo said in his proclamation, which was similar to one he also made in 2012.
He noted the heavy dependence of many of the state’s communities on community airports and business aircraft for the “continued flow of commerce, tourists and visitors to our state.
The economic benefit of aviation to New York citizens was calculated in a 2011 study by the New York State Department of Transportation, which noted that $18 billion in annual payroll and about $4.5 billion in tax revenue was attributable to aviation in the state. The state has more than 400 commercial, public and private airports and heliports.