Jay Rockefeller: “I cannot emphasize the importance of a vibrant and strong aviation industry. It is critical to our Nation's long-term…”

“I cannot emphasize the importance of a vibrant and strong aviation industry. It is critical to our Nation's long-term economic growth. It is also vitally important to the economic future of countless small and local communities that are linked to the rest of the nation and world through aviation. The significance of aviation to our economy cannot be overstated. Over 10 million people are employed directly in the aviation industry. For every job in the aviation industry, 15 related jobs are produced. The aviation industry accounts for over $800 billion of our gross domestic product. The growth of the modern aviation system has created vast economic efficiencies such as just in time delivery, allowed the air cargo industry to grow exponentially, and has opened up the world to millions of Americans. Just as the aviation industry is a catalyst of growth for the national economy, airports are a catalyst of growth for their local communities.”