Aug. 21, 2019

General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital contributor to the economy in every state, and in August, the governors of New Jersey and South Carolina and mayors of cities in Kentucky and Virginia 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.

New Jersey

“New Jersey’s general aviation industry provides more than 12,000 jobs in the state,” Gov. Philip Murphy wrote in his proclamation. “General aviation includes diverse aspects of New Jersey commerce, including aircraft manufacturing, education institutions and community airports.”

New Jersey’s 42 public-use airports support commuter and air charter services, tourism, agricultural applications, emergency medical services, flight training and aircraft mechanic training.

Review the full New Jersey proclamation. (PDF)

South Carolina

“With more than 400 aerospace-related companies in the Palmetto State, aviation is a multi-billion-dollar industry that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributes millions of dollars each year in tax revenues to state and local governments,” Gov. Henry McMaster wrote in his proclamation.

South Carolina is home to 60 general aviation airports and many businesses rely on general aviation for the efficient transportation of people and goods. General aviation airports in the state also provide a gateway to communities and tourist attractions, allow for agricultural spraying, support air cargo and air freight shipments and increase access for first responders in emergency situations.

Read the full South Carolina proclamation. (PDF)

Kentucky

“The city of Hartford in the commonwealth of Kentucky has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aircraft manufacturing, aviation educational institutions, aviation organization and community airports,” Mayor George Chinn wrote in his proclamation in support of general aviation. “General aviation in Kentucky contributes over $1.6 billion to the state’s total economic output.”

There are 53 fixed-base operators, 43 repair stations and 59 public-use airports in Kentucky.

Virginia

Two Virginia mayors issued proclamations this month, noting: “General aviation airports in Virginia contribute approximately $1.1 billion to the state’s economy on an annual basis.”

Virginia is home to 66 public-use airports, which serve more than 14,000 pilots and more than 5,000 registered aircraft.