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GAMA, U.S. Congressional, Government and Industry Leaders Celebrate the General Aviation Manufacturing Industry
Olathe, Kansas – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today held a jobs rally at Garmin International Headquarters celebrating the contributions of the general aviation manufacturing industry to the Kansas and U.S. economies. This rally marked the 16th GAMA has hosted since 2009.
“GAMA is thrilled to celebrate general aviation’s proud tradition in Kansas and the opportunities for the industry that lie ahead,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “Garmin’s new warehouse and distribution center is a tremendous symbol of the vibrancy and excitement about general aviation in the United States and around the world. The broad support we see today from our elected officials, who span federal, state and local levels, along with the support from our industry leaders and our talented workforce gives me great confidence about this industry’s future.”
“It’s an honor to host GAMA today and many of the representatives that value the importance of general aviation,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and CEO. “General aviation has been a part of our DNA since we began 29 years ago, and it’s unquestionably a growth driver as Garmin looks to the future. We are appreciative of the help of everyone joining us today to ensure that general aviation and Garmin remain a strong economic engine for the state of Kansas, as well as a continued technological innovator for our nation.”
“For generations, Kansans have led the nation in manufacturing and servicing the world’s highest quality aircraft,” said Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS). “Today as we celebrate general aviation – our state’s largest industry – I am proud to reflect on the successes we have had in working together to protect and strengthen this industry, particularly in defeating proposals to privatize our nation’s air traffic control system. Such policies would have greatly diminished general aviation’s ability to create jobs and generate economic growth, and I am thankful for the support of Kansas aviation workers and businesses who helped us achieve real success in Washington, D.C.”
Bombardier Business Aircraft President David Coleal remarked, “I want to commend Kansas’ aerospace workforce on its talent, commitment and unwavering support for our industry. Over the years, this passion and constant drive to innovate have contributed to our industry’s resilience, and most importantly, it has ensured that our sector remains a cornerstone of the state and nation’s economy.”
“As a member of the Education and Workforce Committee, I understand the importance of a skilled workforce for our aviation manufacturers,” stated Congressman Ron Estes (KS-04). “General aviation is vital to our Kansas economy and it is successful because of the dedicated individuals employed in the field.”
“Garmin is proud to support general aviation by providing a significant number of jobs across the United States and in the state of Kansas, which have a major impact within the community,” said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president, managing director of aviation and GAMA chairman. “As Garmin and the general aviation industry continue to grow, we look forward to increasing our workforce and expanding our presence in the avionics and the aerospace industry by delivering products that are known for their innovation, reliability and intuitive design.”
“I’m delighted to participate in GAMA’s jobs rally and increase awareness to the diverse opportunities that exist within general aviation,” said Textron Aviation Vice President Doug May. “General aviation is an industry full of innovation and opportunity with an impact that is far reaching. And as the industry continues to grow, the need for diverse talent – from mechanics to pilots to engineers – grows with it.”
“It is imperative that all of our efforts in talent search, employer retention and expansion and workforce development are collaborative with a unified strategy between the private sector, the cities, the counties and the state in order to have maximum impact and benefit,” said Yingling Aviation Chairman and CEO Lynn Nichols, during a panel discussion about the general aviation manufacturing industry workforce.
“Aviation is one of the largest and most important industries in our state,” said Kansas Lieutenant Governor Tracey Mann. “The industry currently supports over 90,000 jobs, and by working together we can ensure that Kansas remains the premier location for the design and manufacture of aircraft in the United States.”
“It’s easy to see aviation manufacturing’s impact on our national and state economies, but if you look deeper, you’ll see the impact companies such as Garmin have on local communities,” said Mayor of Olathe Michael Copeland. “They are critically involved in our neighborhoods, schools, and places of worship, quietly making an immeasurable difference.”
For additional information, please contact Sarah McCann, GAMA Director of Communications, at +1 (315) 796-1560 or smccann@gama.aero.
GAMA is an international trade association representing over 100 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes and rotorcraft, engines, avionics, components and related services. GAMA's members also operate repair stations, fixed based operations, pilot and maintenance training facilities and manage fleets of aircraft. For more information, visit GAMA's website at www.GAMA.aero.
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