REMINDER: MEDIA ADVISORY: News conference about effects of COVID-19 on general aviation

A news conference to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted general aviation, which contributes about $12 billion a year to Michigan’s GDP. Also, they will discuss general aviation’s contributions to supporting pandemic response. General aviation accounts for 97% of all aircraft in the United States. Michigan ranks ninth in the United States for number of aircraft.
Who

David Coulter, Oakland County Executive

Ryan Waguespack, Senior Vice President, National Air Transportations Association
Gregory Schmidt, President & CEO, Pentastar Aviation, LLC

What

A news conference to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted general aviation, which contributes about $12 billion a year to Michigan’s GDP. Also, they will discuss general aviation’s contributions to supporting pandemic response. General aviation accounts for 97% of all aircraft in the United States. Michigan ranks ninth in the United States for number of aircraft.

Oakland County International Airport (OCIA), Michigan’s second busiest airport, has over a $1 billion economic impact on the economy of Southeast Michigan. Its aviation businesses employ about 800 individuals. Fun fact: OCIA is part of aviation history as the first certificated airport in the United States. Inside the terminal is certificate No. 000001.
When

Sep 14, 2020, 2:00 PM
Additional Info

Visuals: Aircraft will be the backdrop. Aircraft taking off and landing.
Safety measures:

  • Individuals will be screened for COVID-19 prior to entering.
  • A mask will be required. One will be provided for those who do not have one. Hand sanitizer will also be available.
  • News media who attend will be socially distanced six feet apart.
  • Those who are unable to attend will be able to watch the news conference on the Executive Office Facebook page (@OakGov.EO) and ask questions via text at 248-202-9668.