September 2022: Aviation Month

WHEREAS, Michigan is home to 234 public use airports, 144 licensed aircraft dealers, 66 licensed flight schools, 6,500 registered aircraft, and 25 airlines; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan airports serve over 37 million passengers and move over 584 million pounds of cargo annually; and,

WHEREAS, general aviation airports support over 33,000 jobs in Michigan, resulting in over $1.4 billion in labor income throughout the state; and,

WHEREAS, aviation-related activities contribute nearly $5.2 billion annually in total economic output and provide significant quality of life and economic impacts to residents, including those in traditionally underserved communities; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Association of Airport Executives will hold its 69th annual conference on Mackinac Island, September 12-16, celebrating Michigan’s rich aviation history and bright future; and,

WHEREAS, September 24 is the 8^th annual Girls in Aviation Day; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan is a leader in advanced air mobility supporting research and development of electric aircraft and vertiports allowing for more equitable access to multimodal transportation within the state; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Aeronautics Commission provides leadership and sound guidance on the growth and advancement of aeronautical activity in the state of Michigan since 1929, celebrating 93 years in existence this September;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2022 as Aviation Month in Michigan.