WHEREAS, aviation is an integral and essential part of the Alaskan way of 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, access to aviation connects families and friends from communities all over Alaska, and provides much needed transportation in everyday life and during times of crisis; and
WHEREAS, with more pilots and aircraft per capita than anywhere else in the world, Alaskans appreciate the value and importance of aviation and the industry annually contributes $3.8 billion to Alaska’s economy and generates over 35,000 jobs; 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, the strategic location of our state 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, Alaska has a significant and vested interest in the continued vitality of aviation, aircraft manufacturing, flight schools, community airports, aviation organizations, and tourism across our Great State; and
WHEREAS, Alaska’s unique reliance on general 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. All across our Great State, our pilots and ground crews continue to keep us all connected.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2020 as:
Aviation Appreciation Month
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to celebrate aviation as a unique resource in our state and to recognize the achievements of those who make aviation possible in the Last Frontier.
