National Aviation Organizations Commend Utah Governor for Declaring April ‘Aviation Appreciation Month in Utah’
Washington, DC— Today, national aviation organizations commended Utah Governor Gary Herbert for declaring April “Aviation Appreciation Month in Utah.” In Utah, general aviation airports account for over $274 million in economic activity annually.
“We thank Governor Herbert for recognizing the crucial role of general aviation and local airports across the state of Utah,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation is an important resource for supporting agriculture, public safety, tourism and business activity throughout the state.”
“Utah’s local airports are essential for connecting communities with services and resources throughout the state and the country,” said Mark Baker, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank Governor Herbert for highlighting the critical benefits of general aviation and airports and look forward to working with him in the future.”
“Business aviation allows companies in Utah and across the country to operate more efficiently in today’s global marketplace,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank the Governor and his staff for their work on this proclamation, and look forward to working together to highlight the critical importance of business aviation to our local and national economy.”
“General aviation helps to link Utah communities to vital goods and services throughout the state,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We thank the Governor for his proclamation, and hope that it will educate citizens about the importance of general aviation and encourage passion in flying.”
Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “Utah’s system of local airports is crucial to the local economy, and allows businesses and farms to reach more people and connect with supplies and far-off markets. We thank Governor Herbert and Pat Morley, the Director of the Aeronautical Operations Division, for their work in highlighting the numerous benefits of general aviation and airports throughout Utah.”
“General aviation links communities across Utah and helps provide business opportunities and economic growth,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies across Utah applaud Governor Herbert’s recognition of general aviation as a vital resource to the state’s competitiveness and growth.”
“Helicopters and other types of general aviation aircraft allow emergency response personnel and businesses to reach areas that would be otherwise inaccessible,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Herbert for recognizing the importance of general aviation in connecting communities and businesses with emergency response, health care services, and goods and supplies.”
To view the Utah proclamation, click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of more than 6,300 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.
