Governor Mike Dunleavy has officially designated May 2025 as “Aviation Appreciation Month” in Alaska, recognizing the critical role aviation plays in connecting communities and supporting the state’s economy.
With 82% of Alaska’s communities inaccessible by road, aviation serves as a vital lifeline for medical care, emergency services, goods transportation, and economic activity. The state leads the nation in pilots and aircraft per capita and hosts some of the busiest cargo operations in the country.
The Alliance for Aviation Across America applauded the proclamation, which highlighted Alaska’s unique reliance on aviation, saying, “Aviation is not just a mode of transportation in Alaska—it is a lifeline,” said Devin Osting, interim executive director of the Alliance. “We commend Governor Dunleavy for recognizing the essential role aviation plays in the lives and livelihoods of Alaskans.”
Aviation contributes an estimated $3.8 billion annually to Alaska’s economy and supports over 35,000 jobs. The state is also home to numerous aviation institutions, including flight schools, maintenance operations, and spaceport and drone initiatives.
View the full proclamation here: aviationacrossamerica.org.