WHEREAS, aviation is a critical part of Alaskan life. Eighty-two percent of Alaska’s communities are inaccessible by road and rely heavily on aviation to provide all-season access for commerce, transportation, emergency medical services, shipment of goods, and tourism; and
WHEREAS, Alaska has a significant interest in the continued vitality of aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, flight education and aviation organizations, and general aviation across our great state because it connects us with the rest of the world and provides us with needed supplies; and
WHEREAS, the aviation industry contributes $3.8 Billion to Alaska’s economy annually and generates over 35,000 jobs, accounting for over 10% of all jobs in Alaska. Alaskan airports accommodate about 5 million travelers each year; and
WHEREAS, Anchorage consistently ranks as one of the busiest airports in the nation for cargo throughput, making Alaska an important link in the import and export of goods; and
WHEREAS, Alaska’s strategic location makes us a significant national asset for military operations anywhere in the world, and is the home of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Bryant Airfield, Ladd Army Airfield at Fort Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base, Allen Army Airfield, and the Alaska Air National Guard. Alaska will also be the new home for two F-35 fighter squadrons coming soon; and
WHEREAS, aviation plays a vital role in the State of Alaska’s response to emergencies and natural disasters. Alaska’s unique reliance on aviation is manifested in the expertise and commitment of our pilots and in the numerous flight training programs dedicated to teaching the next generation of pilots.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Michael J. Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2019 as:
Aviation Appreciation Month
in Alaska, and encourage Alaskans to celebrate aviation as a unique resource and to appreciate the achievements of those who make aviation possible in the Last Frontier.
