(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – Recognizing the importance of aviation to the great State of Alaska, Governor Michael J. Dunleavy has proclaimed May as Aviation Appreciation Month. 

The governor joined thousands of aviation enthusiasts at the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering in Anchorage, on Sunday, May 5, to read and sign the proclamation. 

Aviation was instrumental in the development of Alaska and is still a vital economic driver in the state. Aviation contributes $3.8 billion to Alaska’s economy annually and generates over 35,000 jobs, accounting for 10% of all jobs in Alaska.

“We thank Governor Dunleavy for this proclamation emphasizing the importance of aviation to our state,” said John Binder, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) deputy commissioner. “Alaska has the largest aviation system in North America with the state owning and operating 239 airports.” 

For more information about aviation in Alaska, visit the Alaska Aviation System Plan.

Other aviation events happening around the state:

• Valdez Fly-In, May 10-12
• Talkeetna Fly-In, May 17-19
• Fairbanks Aviation Day, May 18
• Kenai Peninsula Fly-In, June 8
• Wings Over Wasilla Airshow & Fly-In, June 14-16

Photo: L-R Alaska Airmen Association Board of Director Members, Kevin Campbell, Dennis Bedford, John Dahlen, Governor Michael J. Dunleavy, Airmen Executive Director Corey Hester, Board President Sven Lincke, and Board Member Doug Bradbury. Photo by Rob Stapleton for Alaska DOT&PF

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