LINCOLN, NE, May 18, 2011 – Senators Mike Johanns and Ben Nelson joined the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and over 400 workers, state and local officials and aviation enthusiasts today at Duncan Aviation for a general aviation (GA) jobs rally. The rally was held inside Duncan Aviation’s new paint hangar at the Lincoln Airport.
Senator Mike Johanns, co-chair of the Senate GA Caucus, and Senator Ben Nelson recognized the impact GA has on the quality of life in Nebraska and the state’s economy.
“General aviation plays a critical role in our economy – from job creation to transportation,” Johanns said. “I was glad to help form the Senate’s General Aviation Caucus to promote policies that support the hardworking men and women who deliver goods and services across Nebraska and the globe, lifting our economy at the same time.”
“General aviation is critical to the state of Nebraska,” spoke Senator Ben Nelson. “It keeps America connected and infuses urban and rural areas with much-needed tax revenue and jobs. I support general aviation and the critical services and jobs it provides to our communities, large and small.”
Two of GAMA’s members, Duncan Aviation and Hamilton Sundstrand, have facilities in Nebraska. Both had representatives on hand to talk about the role their companies play in the state’s economy.
Todd Duncan, chairman of Duncan Aviation remarked, “We play a key role in helping companies of all types and sizes compete using their business aircraft in a marketplace that demands speed, flexibility, efficiency and productivity. In the current economic climate, Duncan Aviation is proud to be expanding and adding jobs in the communities where we are located. We thank our senators for their efforts in protecting this industry.”
“Our Nebraska operation manufactures core components for a wide range of vital aircraft systems,” said Justin Keppy, vice president of manufacturing for Hamilton Sundstrand. “We are proud of our employees’ contributions to the aerospace industry and the local community and appreciative of the senators’ focus on this industry.”
GAMA’s President and CEO Pete Bunce closed with, “We are fortunate to have with us members of Congress who understand the vital role general aviation plays as an essential form of transportation and as a creator of well-paying jobs. General aviation is woven into the fabric of this state and we are fortunate to have strong leadership in Senators Johanns and Nelson who recognize general aviation’s importance to the Nebraskan economy.”