November 11, 2011
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick (D-MA) has issued a proclamation declaring November 2011 as “General Aviation (GA) Appreciation Month” in Massachusetts, making his state the 34th in the last two years to officially recognize the value of all general aviation, including business flying.
“Massachusetts has always enjoyed an active role in aviation,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “So we appreciate Governor Patrick’s designation of this month recognizing the value of all general aviation, including business aviation, in the state.”
General aviation in Massachusetts accounts for nearly $4 billion annually in total economic output, and is responsible for 28,000 well-paying jobs. Governor Patrick added that with the help of general aviation, his state is growing jobs faster than 44 other states. His proclamation notes that there are more than 8,300 FAA-licensed pilots and 39 public-use airports in the state, with 2,500 businesses on those airports.
Just this month, a Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission report showed that the state’s airports contribute nearly $12 billion dollars in economic activity, and support more than 124,000 jobs. Governor Patrick unveiled the report during a visit to Bridgewater State University, which has a four-year Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management program with a robust 140-student enrollment.
“The Commonwealth…has a significant interest in the continued vitality of tourism, GA, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, aviation educational institutes, aviation organizations, public use airports and airport operators,” said the Governor. “Communities…depend heavily on GA and public-use airports for…commerce, tourists and visitors.”
Massachusetts has been a leader in aviation throughout its history, boasting the country’s first aeronautical club, the Aero Club of New England, formed in 1902. The state also hosted the country’s first licensed aircraft manufacturer, the Burgess and Curtis Company of Marblehead, which in 1911 began production of the Burgess-Wright Model F airplane.
Governor Patrick urged Bay State citizens to recognize the month and participate in all aspects of aviation.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.