Governor Cuomo Proclaims Aviation Appreciation Month

ALBANY, NY (05/23/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA) applauded NY Governor Andrew Cuomo's decision to issue a proclamation to proclaim the month of May as "Aviation Appreciation Month" in New York.

"Governor Cuomo continues to demonstrate his support for aviation in New York, recognizing the critical role that aviation plays in the economic prosperity of the State," NYAMA President Chad Nixon said. "The Governor and legislative leaders are to be commended for promoting the growth of this sector, which represents 5% of total State employment."

The Governor's proclamation was in part a response to a resolution adopted by both houses of the legislature to support and celebrate aviation in New York. The NYAMA-crafted Legislative Resolution was sponsored by Senator William Larkin (Cornwall-on-Hudson) and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (Endwell), who are the co-chairs of the NY Legislative Aviation Caucus, which has 100 members from among the state legislature.

"I'm happy to see Governor Cuomo joining the Legislature in recognizing May as Aviation Appreciation Month in New York," said Senator Larkin. "Aviation plays a critically important role in our State and I hope the Governor and Legislature can continue working together to make this industry even stronger going forward."

"The aviation sector in New York is such a vital part of the State's overall economy," said Assemblywoman Lupardo. "We as legislators need to support initiatives to promote aviation in ways that allow our airports and businesses to better compete in the region for related jobs and investment. I appreciate Governor Cuomo's leadership in bringing attention to aviation as an economic generator and vital transportation service for our State."

The proclamation states in part that "the aviation sector's contributions to the economy are 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."

The benefits of aviation to the State of New York are also contained in the proclamation, highlighting the significant amount of economic benefit to the State from aviation, "creating over $50 billion in annual economic activity, employing more than 394,500 New York State residents, and generating $18 billion in payroll tax revenue and $4.5 billion in state and local tax revenue annually."

Mr. Nixon pointed out that "the proclamation's featuring business aviation as a critical tool for companies in New York is rewarding, as NYAMA has endeavored to promote such aircraft as a way to improve efficiency, save money, and open up opportunities for rural areas not served by commercial aviation. These jets bring new businesses, private sector investment and jobs to all areas of the State."

NYAMA works alongside several pro-aviation national organizations including the Alliance for Aviation Across America, National Business Aviation Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

"Governor Cuomo's proclamation is a great way to call attention to the economic benefits of aviation and to celebrate aviation in New York," Mr. Nixon concluded.