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General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in every state, and in May, the governors of Alaska, Nebraska and Pennsylvania and several mayors across the country, officially recognized the industry for the important role it plays. Every state, in addition to hundreds of communities throughout the United States, have highlighted general aviation over the years for its contributions to the success of companies and citizens around the country.

Formed in 2017 during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Operation Airdrop started as an effort to send supplies into the storm-stricken areas along the Texas gulf coast. Within days it had grown into a coordinated relief effort aided by dozens of volunteer pilots flying general aviation and business aircraft.

For more than 80 years, the Flying Doctors of Mercy (LIGA) has provided free critical medical care to Mexican citizens unable to afford even basic treatment. “Over the first three-day weekend each month, our volunteers perform such varied procedures as ophthalmology and dental work, but our primary focus is internal medicine,” said LIGA President Russell Calverley.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently published its Statewide Economic Impact Study, which found that the industry is responsible for a total economic impact of $175 billion for the state. “The results of the recent Florida Department of Transportation Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study clearly demonstrate the significant value airports have within the community, region and state, as well as support continued strategic investments in order to maintain and improve aviation infrastructure, which enables Florida direct access to the global market,” said Aaron Smith, state aviation manager of FDOT’s Aviation and Spaceports Office.

Castle Aviation, a charter air business based in Akron, OH, provides clients with a variety of aviation services including private charters, aircraft maintenance and cargo operations. “We have more planes than ever, more employees than ever and the business is growing,” said Grossmann. “Because the company has been doing so well, we have the opportunity to consolidate our operations into one place. This will help us to run more efficiently and continue to bring a high level of service to our clients.”

A recent Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study demonstrates the significant impact aviation activity contributes to the state. “The state not only recognizes the significant economic impact of aviation activities but continues to develop an environment that fosters growth,” said Brittany Davies, NBAA’s Northeast regional representative. “The Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study demonstrates to the public and to state and federal legislators the importance of a healthy aviation sector to a state.”

Angel Flight Southeast is part of the Air Charity Network – a diverse coalition of volunteer humanitarian organizations that use business aircraft to transport medical patients for treatment at distant hospitals and support relief efforts after natural disasters. Each year, pilots flying on behalf of the Air Charity Network, the world’s largest integrated volunteer pilot organization flying medical missions, perform approximately 22,000 missions in Texas and across the southeastern U.S.

General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in every state, and in April, the governors of Kansas, Rhode Island and Utah and several mayors across the country officially recognized the industry for the important role it plays. Every state, in addition to hundreds of communities throughout the United States, have highlighted general aviation over the years for its contributions to the success of companies and citizens around the country.

Based in Holland, MI with chapters in Minnesota and East Michigan, Wings of Mercy is a non-profit, all-volunteer group providing free medical transportation utilizing general aviation and business aircraft for those with severe or rare illnesses. “A patient’s health insurance may cover their treatment, but it rarely covers transportation to get there,” said President Terry Boer. “We go where they need to be.”

The Texas Aviation Economic Impact Study was commissioned by the Texas Department of According to a recent report, community airports in Texas contribute more than $30 billion in payroll to employees in the state. The study – commissioned by the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division – examines the economic impact associated with the 264 general aviation airports in the state.