Aviation Appreciation Month

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 cargo airports in the nation, making Alaska an important link in the international importation and exportation of goods; and

WHEREAS, Alaska's strategic location provides a significant national asset for 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 aviation professionals to continue to adhere to the highest safety standards and practices in aviation to protect the lives of workers, tourists, and the traveling public in our Great State.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2024 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, 2024