May 10, 2013
Citing more than $50 billion in annual economic benefit and jobs for almost 400,000 New Yorkers, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared May 2013 “Aviation Appreciation Month” in the Empire State.
“Business aviation is a critical tool for companies in New York to improve efficiency, save money and open up opportunities for rural areas not served by commercial aviation, thereby bringing new business, investment and jobs to all areas of the state,” Cuomo said in his proclamation, which was similar to one he also made in 2012.
He noted the heavy dependence of many of the state’s communities on community airports and business aircraft for the “continued flow of commerce, tourists and visitors to our state.
“The state of New York has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions, aviation organizations, community airports and airport operators,” Cuomo added.
The large economic benefit of aviation to New York citizens was calculated in a 2011 study by the New York State Department of Transportation. That document noted some $18 billion in annual payroll and about $4.5 billion in tax revenue attributable to aviation in the state. The Empire State has more than 400 commercial, public and private airports and heliports.
“Gov. Cuomo is receptive to suggestions made by the New York Aviation Caucus, New York Aviation Management Association and NBAA,” NBAA Northeast Regional Representative Dean Saucier said in pointing out the governor’s support for aviation, including business aviation.
Nearly all U.S. states have officially recognized the value of all general aviation, including business aviation, with all proclamations including at least some of the basic tenets of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, which was launched in 2009 and is sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturing Association.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.