WHEREAS, aviation is an essential part of the Alaskan way of life because eighty-two percent of Alaska’s communities are inaccessible by road and they rely heavily on aviation for commerce, transportation, emergency medical services, shipment of essential goods, and tourism; 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 that annually contributes $3.8 billion to Alaska’s economy and facilitates more than 35,000 jobs; and
WHEREAS, Anchorage consistently ranks as one of the busiest airports in the nation for cargo throughput, which makes Alaska an important link in the international importation and exportation of goods; and
WHEREAS, Alaska’s strategic location provides a power projection platform for global military operations, and Alaska is proud to host 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; and
WHEREAS, Alaska has a significant and vested interest in the continued vitality of aviation, aircraft maintenance, flight schools, community airports, aviation organizations, unmanned aircraft systems, spaceport operations, and tourism across our state; and
WHEREAS, we encourage all aviators and aviation professionals to continue to adhere to the highest safety standards and practices in aviation to protect the lives of workers, tourists, pilots, and the traveling public in our great state; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2023 as:
Aviation Appreciation Month
in Alaska, and encourage everyone to recognize the importance aviation and aviation professionals play in supporting the people, economy, and livelihoods of Alaskans.
Dated: May 1, 2023
