Aug. 13, 2018

General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in cities and towns across the country, and in August, the mayors of cities in South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington officially recognized the industry for the important role it plays. To date, hundreds of local officials from coast to coast have issues similar proclamations.

South Carolina

Six South Carolina mayors issued proclamations this month, noting: “With over 400 aerospace-related companies in the Palmetto State, aviation is a multi-billion dollar industry,” which helps support more than 70,000 jobs and contributes millions of dollars annually in tax benefits to state and local governments.

The state is home to 61 general aviation airports and relies on general aviation to support law enforcement, air cargo and air freight shipments and providing access in cases of emergency.

Tennessee

Covington Mayor Justin Hanson said general aviation and the Covington Municipal Airport have an immense impact on Covington.

“The city of Covington in the state of Tennessee has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aircraft manufacturing, aviation educational institutions, aviation organization and community airports,” he wrote.

Washington

In Washington state, Odessa Mayor William Crossley issued a proclamation in August saying: “general aviation not only supports Washington’s economy, it improves overall quality of life by supporting emergency medical and healthcare services, law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief, and by transporting business travelers to their destinations quickly and safely”