More than 70,000 South Carolinians go to work each day in the aviation industry, and with over 100 aerospace-related companies, 61 general aviation airports and six commercial service airports, the Palmetto State has taken notice.
South Carolina’s celebration of Aviation Week will take place Aug. 17-23, with Gov. Nikki Haley recognizing the event through a proclamation that honors the state’s airports and military airfields as essential underpinnings to South Carolina’s diversified business base, growing population and growing tourism industry.
Once the week begins, the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission and the South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) will hold the third annual Aerospace Industry Dinner following the inaugural South Carolina Aerospace Industry Conference at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Aug. 19.
Don Purcell, president of the SCAA, said South Carolina is an aviation-friendly state with a dynamic and growing community.
Aviation Week allows those in the industry to show its statewide impact, he said. By celebrating the event, the cities and communities throughout the state can promote the industry’s benefits in their communities.
Although aviation’s economic impact is considerable, Purcell said the industry in South Carolina extends beyond the corporate realm.
Aviation is more than Boeing’s manufacturing of planes in Charleston or the production of sport planes by Just Aircraft in Wahalla, he said. Perishable goods are transported into the state by planes, and accident victims can be airlifted to emergency facilities.
Greenville Mayor Knox White, issued a proclamation declaring the week of Aug. 17-23 to be General Aviation Appreciation Week, citing general aviation and community airports as critical to the lives of citizens and to the operations of business and farms.
According to the proclamation:
- General aviation accounts for $1.6 billion in total economic impact in South Carolina.
- General aviation also generated $9.4 million in property taxes and $2.25 million in jet fuel taxes.
- South Carolina is home to 20 charter flight companies, 34 repair stations, three flight schools, and 49 fixed base operators, providing 2,297 direct jobs to the state economy.
