Private Jet Industry Has the Backing of Ray LaHood

Coming on the heels of a visit to America’s aviation-Mecca, otherwise known as Wichita, Kansas, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood gave his support to the recovering general aviation industry. In front of a crowd of more than 2,000 workers, LaHood announced, “We get it,” LaHood said. “Your industry supports 1.2 million jobs across America. It contributes more than $150 billion to the nation’s economy.”
Recognizing the economic value of an industrial-stronghold such as Wichita, the secretary let the crowd know he’d persuade President Barack Obama to come visit workers in the city which is home to Boeing, Cessna Aircraft, Hawker Beechcraft, Bombardier, in addition to dozens of suppliers.
As an essential location to the general aviation and private jet industries, Wichita produces more than 40% of all general aviation aircraft in the world. A staggering number, the backing of the Transportation Secretary is critical to the $7 billion economic output that Wichita is currently accounting for. In an attempt to keep this effort up, even improving upon the prowess of the Wichita general aviation scene, LaHood said, “I am proud to stand with you, to work with you and to fight with you to make sure that general aviation … continues to flourish as the economy picks up.” “You will be one of the leaders in helping the global economy pick up.”