Delaware celebrated general aviation’s economic engine with a jobs rally at New Castle Airport’s Dassault Falcon Jet maintenance facility in Wilmington Nov. 20. The event drew state leaders including Gov. Jack Markell, Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Rep. John Carney (D-Del.). They joined the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and hundreds of GA enthusiasts who gathered at the service center to highlight the state’s commitment to GA jobs.
“This aviation jobs rally is indicative of GAMA’s commitment to contributing to the revitalization of our manufacturing industry by promoting high-skill, good-paying jobs in an industry with tremendous growth potential in our state,” said Markell. “I am proud to support an organization that believes in investing in our workforce and remaining competitive globally.”
“The aviation sector is critical to our state’s economy and provides good-paying middle class jobs for 2,600 Delawareans,” said Coons.
GAMA officials said the economic advisors group PricewaterhouseCoopers published a study in 2015 showing that GA annually added $588 million to Delaware’s bottom line.
“Aviation is a thriving industry in Delaware that continues to grow by the day,” said Carney. “Our qualified, dedicated workforce drives companies like Summit Aviation, Aloft AeroArchitects, FlightSafety International, and Dassault Falcon to set up shop and expand here. We need to continue that growth by investing in STEM education and manufacturing jobs—that way we can ensure that Delaware’s aviation manufacturers, pilots, and students get the support they need to reach even higher levels.”
Dassault Falcon Jet President John Rosanvallon said the company grew their Delaware facility into one of the largest maintenance centers in the world. “This would not have been possible without our 400 skilled and dedicated employees and strong relationship with Delaware officials.”
Steve Gross, FlightSafety International vice president of sales, said the aviation company brings more than 6,000 students a year into the Wilmington/New Castle region for pilot and maintenance training.
“Throughout Delaware, general aviation manufacturers are creating high-quality jobs, building strong futures for their employees and communities, and impacting economies globally with their products,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce.
