Jan. 25, 2017
More local officials recently issued proclamations espousing the benefits of general aviation, including business aviation, to their communities.
“West Virginia provides access for businesses and tourists to isolated areas, enabling businesses to remain part of the nation’s air transportation systems and connected to the world’s global marketplace,” said Fairmont, WV Mayor Ronald Straight, Sr. “The use of general aviation by businesses and farms in West Virginia is directly tied to the future growth and prosperity of the state.”
View the Fairmont proclamation. (PDF)
Martinsburg, WV Mayor George Karos agreed that general aviation was vital to the state’s economy and played a “crucial role” in the lives of its citizens, businesses and communities.
General aviation in West Virginia supports 5,300 jobs, resulting in $256 million in labor income. Additionally, general aviation contributes more than $1 billion annually to the state’s total economic output.
View the Martinsburg proclamation. (PDF)
West Virginia is home to 17 general aviation airports, Wheeling, WV Mayor Glenn Elliott, Jr. The airports support 1,806 pilots and 855 active general aviation aircraft.
“With the state’s geography, large numbers of businesses and communities depend on general aviation aircraft for access to medical treatment, economic opportunity and communication,” he noted.
View the Wheeling proclamation. (PDF)
In Worchester, MA, the city’s airport has an “immense economic impact,” noted Mayor Joseph Petty. Massachusetts is home to 30 public-use, general aviation airports, which serve nearly 8,000 pilots and 2,663 active general aviation aircraft.
“General aviation not only supports Massachusetts’ 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 safety,” he noted.