New York, Nebraska Governors Issue Aviation Appreciation Proclamations

May 22, 2014

The governors of Nebraska and New York this month issued official statements of support for aviation, including business aviation.

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said aviation’s economic impact for the state is “fueled by a vibrant and supportive aviation community consisting of airports, general aviation, commercial aviation, cargo transport, manufacturing partners, hospitality businesses, vendors and contractors, engineers and consultants, pilots, mechanics, educational institutions and other aviation organizations.

“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,” he added.

The state’s aviation industry contributes more than $50 billion a year in economic activity, employing nearly 400,000 state residents and generating $18 billion in payroll tax revenue, and about $4.5 billion in state and local tax revenue annually.

Review the New York proclamation. (PDF)

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman called the role of general aviation (GA), business aviation and community airports “vital” to the lives of Nebraska citizens, and to the businesses and farms in the state. He noted that 5,250 Nebraskans make their living through air transportation, and that GA tourism alone supports an additional 403 full-time jobs with a payroll totaling $10.6 million.

The state handles an estimated 970,000 GA aircraft operations each year.

“Many communities in Nebraska rely on general aviation and community airports for valuable services such as aerial firefighting, medical outreach, search and rescue, aerial agricultural spraying and wildlife management,” Heineman in his proclamation.

Review the Nebraska proclamation. (PDF)

To date, 49 states have officially recognized the value of GA, including business aviation, through proclamations incorporating themes established through the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign.

Launched in 2009 jointly by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), No Plane No Gain educates the public on the importance of business aviation to our country and its communities, companies and citizens.