U.S. Senator John Cornyn (shown at right) and U.S. Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson, Sam Johnson, Pete Sessions, and Marc Veasey today joined the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and hundreds of manufacturing workers, local officials, business leaders, and aviation enthusiasts at Bombardier’s Dallas Service Center for a general aviation (GA) jobs rally. The event included remarks from leaders of GAMA member companies in Texas, including Peg Billson of BBA Aviation, Ed Dolanski of Aviall, Larry Flynn of Gulfstream, Robert Hastings of Bell Helicopter, David Paddock of Jet Aviation, Marc Paganini of Airbus Helicopters, and Stan Younger of Bombardier.
Senator John Cornyn said, “Texas continues to be at the forefront of job creation and innovation, and the reasons why were evident during my visit with employees from companies represented by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with people who are committed to expanding Texas’ role in the field of aviation and increasing jobs throughout the state.”
“Aerospace and aviation R&D is a pillar of America’s innovation engine that will create the careers of the future,” added Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. “America must not only continue to invest in advanced manufacturing, research and development, but we must also invest in constantly training our workforce so they are competitive in the global marketplace.”
Congressman Sam Johnson said, “It’s truly special to be here as we celebrate the tremendous success and contributions of general aviation. Your hard work and dedication to our community and our great state of Texas has proven invaluable over the decades. It plays an important role in the success, strength and prosperity of our local, state, and national economy. Your steadfast commitment to the welfare of thousands of businesses—directly or indirectly—provides opportunities and good-paying jobs for many.”
“I’m honored to join my colleagues today to celebrate the general aviation industry’s invaluable contributions to economic growth and job creation in North Texas,” noted Congressman Pete Sessions. “I am also pleased that many of the local companies represented here are committed to employing our nation’s veterans and sponsoring important organizations like the Special Olympics of Texas.”
“As a member of the Congressional General Aviation Caucus, I’m proud to be a part of this event to celebrate, promote, and protect general aviation and its economic impact to the State of Texas,” said Representative Marc Veasey. “General aviation is responsible for billions in economic impact annually and provides jobs for some 50,000 Texans. From job creation to transportation, the industry plays a vital role in the Texas economy and across the globe.”
Nationally, the GA industry contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually and supports 1.2 million jobs. A 2011 Texas Department of Transportation report found that in Texas, GA contributes more than $14 billion in economic output and employs more than 56,000 people.
“These numbers are a reflection of just how important general aviation is to our nation’s economic vitality,” said Larry Flynn, President and CEO of Gulfstream. “Together, we are positively impacting the economy by providing jobs and energizing our communities.”
“Demand for aircraft services is rising as the fleet we work on gets larger and older,” added Stan Younger, Vice President of Aircraft Service Centers at Bombardier. “It is an ever-broadening, consistent revenue stream for our industry that is creating more jobs, providing more business to suppliers and generating more positive economic impact to the communities where we’re connected. And when I talk about jobs I am talking about high-paying, high-tech, high-skill jobs with an exciting future—exactly what communities across Texas and the United States are looking for.”
Peg Billson, President and CEO of BBA Aviation Aftermarket Services, noted, “From the space program to advanced fighter aircraft design to business aircraft that are used to conduct world commerce, Texas can rightfully call itself a gateway to the world of aviation and one of the great contributors to the health and advancement of this essential industry.”
Robert Hastings, Senior Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs for Bell Helicopter, added, “Here in Dallas-Fort Worth, aviation touches almost everything we do. We are home to several major airports and rely on air travel to keep our businesses and products moving all over the world. Aviation has helped make this region one of the global hubs of commerce, and North Texas is rapidly becoming one the nation’s major hubs in the rotorcraft industry.”
Marc Paganini, President and CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said, “General aviation is a vibrant industry that is creating good jobs and attracting foreign investment in Texas and elsewhere in the U.S. Airbus Helicopters will invest millions of dollars in the U.S. this year. But we need government to work with us. We need to have a dialogue with Congress and the FAA to find a more efficient regulatory to bring innovative products to market sooner. We also need government to join with us to make aviation safer. Industry and the FAA can and should work together and make improving flight safety our highest priority.”
“General aviation is an integral part of the economy in Texas,” Ed Dolanski, President and CEO of Aviall, Inc., added. By supporting GAMA and its member companies we are helping to ensure the general aviation market continues to thrive for years to come.”
“Jet Aviation supports the use of business aircraft which drives economic activity in Texas and beyond,” noted David Paddock, Senior Vice President of Business Development/Strategic Planning for Jet Aviation. “We are fortunate for GAMA’s devotion to foster and advance the importance of general aviation and the role it plays in economic growth. We are proud to be a GAMA member.”
GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce concluded, “Right here at Love Field today, we have companies represented from all across Texas: Amarillo, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. And they represent all segments of the general aviation industry: airplane and rotorcraft manufacturers, parts distributors, maintenance and repair facilities, and completion centers. What a great celebration of just how big and diverse our industry is. We are also fortunate to have heard from Senator Cornyn and Representatives Johnson, Johnson, Sessions, and Veasey, who understand the importance of general aviation and are working hard to bring even more jobs to the Lone Star state.”
