Alaska celebrating Aviation Appreciation Month

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker recently proclaimed September as Aviation Appreciation Month.

The Alaska Air Carriers Association, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Alaska Airmen Association, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Alliance for Aviation Across America have gathered to celebrate and recognize the aviation industry in the state.

Aviation is important in every Alaskan’s life. Citizens, industries, government agencies and businesses all require aviation on a daily basis, as 82 percent of the communities in Alaska are not attached to a road system or highway. Instead, they use aviation to have access to transportation, commerce, and emergency medical services all year around.

Aviation supports the Alaskan economy by creating 47,000 jobs. It generates $3.5 billion each year in its total economic impact.

Walker has encouraged all local citizens to recognize and celebrate aviation as crucial to Alaska’s way of life. It is important to honor the achievements of those involved in Alaska’s aviation industry, making travel and connection possible among people living in the Last Frontier.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities currently monitors 11 ferries serving 35 communities, 249 airports, 5,619 miles of highways and 720 public facilities across the state. The mission statement of the department, “Keep Alaska Moving,” shows that the department uses infrastructure and service to achieve this goal.