May 11, 2017

The governors of Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York, this month, recognized the value of general aviation, and the economic driver the industry is throughout the country. To date, leaders in all 50 states have issued proclamations about the importance of general aviation, including business aviation.

Massachusetts

According to the commonwealth’s Airport Economic Impact Study update, general aviation airports contribute more than $516 million to Massachusetts, according to a proclamation from Gov. Charles Baker.

“Many communities in Massachusetts depend heavily on general aviation and community airports for the continued flow of commerce, tourists and visitors to our state,” the governor wrote, adding that general aviation airports in Massachusetts support nearly 4,500 jobs and a total payroll of more than $169 million.

It is home to 30 public-use general aviation airports, which serve nearly 8,000 pilots.

View the full Massachusetts proclamation. (PDF)

New Jersey

“General aviation includes diverse aspects of New Jersey commerce, including aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions and community airports,” Gov. Chris Christie wrote in his proclamation. “General aviation provides a substantial economic benefit to New Jersey, from the operation of the public-use airport system and from the tourism and commerce it supports.”

Christie noted that general aviation also plays a vital role in the operation of businesses in the state, as well as its farms and emergency-response system. New Jersey is home to more than 12,000 pilots.

View the full New Jersey proclamation. (PDF)

MMU

New York

Gov. Andrew Cuomo recognized all aspects of aviation in his proclamation, but singled out business aviation for its contributions to the state’s companies and communities.

“Business aviation is a critical tool for companies in New York to improve efficiency, save money and open opportunities for rural areas not served by commercial aviation, thereby bringing new business, investment and jobs to all areas of the state,” he wrote. “Many communities in New York State depend heavily on their commercial and general aviation airports for the continued flow of commerce, tourists and visitors to our state.”

New York is home to 464 commercial, public and private airports and heliports, and the industry “contributes significantly” to the economy, Cuomo added.

View the full New York proclamation. (PDF)

In addition to these state proclamations, officials in the following communities also issued statements this month: