May 20, 2017
The economic value that general aviation, including business aviation, brings to Massachusetts was front and center at Aviation on the Hill Day, held May 16 at the Statehouse in Boston. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Airport Management Association (MAMA), the popular informational event brings together aviation advocates from around the state, and dozens of state legislators and their staff.
“Our purpose with Aviation on the Hill Day is to continue our advocacy and outreach efforts, and establish good working relationships with our state legislators,” said Bob Mallard, president of MAMA. “Funding for our state airports system and aviation-friendly legislation are key to the continued well-being of our airports, which are huge economic engines for the state of Massachusetts.”
More than 120 people attended the event, including speakers from the state Department of Transportation, the FAA and members of the Massachusetts Aviation Legislative Caucus. Awards were given to legislators who have made contributions to aviation in the state, and there was special recognition of students from Phillips Academy Andover, who won this year’s National and International Real World Design Challenge.
As part of his presentation, Mallard noted how a $3 million state investment in upgrading and enlarging a parking apron at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport eventually led to Gulfstream building a $20-plus million hangar, which resulted in the hiring of 100 new employees—a boon for the airport and region.
Many MAMA members—most of whom are airport managers from public-use, general aviation airports across the state—met with legislators and their staff. According to Mallard, about 60 legislators are currently members of the state’s aviation caucus, which was the first of its kind in the nation.
“MAMA’s Aviation on the Hill Day is always well-attended and a valuable function for all who participate,” said Dean Saucier, NBAA’s Northeast regional representative. “MAMA members are to be commended for their dedication and efforts in reaching out to Massachusetts state legislators about the value and importance of general aviation in their state.”
Saucier noted that according to a 2015 study, general aviation contributes nearly $3.5 billion in economic output to Massachusetts, and employs more than 18,000 people.
Learn more about the Massachusetts Airport Management Association.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.