Contact
Tom Carver (609) 599-3031
Rob Kulat (732) 219-5816
June 1, 2001
PRESS RELEASE
Aviation Association Begins Statewide Effort to Reach Citizen Groups
SADDLE BROOK - The New Jersey Aviation Association today began a series of statewide meetings with citizen groups and municipal officials who have expressed opposition to airport operations throughout areas of the State. “It is time that the industry learns first hand the perceptions of residents who have experienced problems as a result of their proximity to the various airports,” Association President Thomas D. Carver said.
Carver said the Association, which represents airlines, airport operators, aircraft manufacturers, as well as airport vendors and service companies, has communicated with all known anti-airport groups. “We are advising them of our desire to meet and to offer a forum for rational discussion. We are attempting to fill a void which has led to a continual battle dominated by emotion rather than facts,” Carver added.
Today’s meeting concerned Teterboro and was attended by federal, state and local officials, as well as representatives of citizens groups. “We began with Teterboro because it has been the hub of continuing and growing controversy,” Carver said. Carver told the attendees that the Association was committed to balancing the promotion and interests of the industry with the concerns of local communities. “We can not promise to solve every problem, real or imagined, but we seek to assure residents we will listen to their views, seek answers to their questions and work with their representatives to see if policies and procedures can be introduced to alleviate areas of concern while allowing the industry to flourish. We recognize the difficulties, but we are committed to try,” the Association President said.
According to State economic studies, in 1996 the State’s 48 airports infused more than $1.3 billion annually into the State economy and provided more than 100,000 direct jobs. “A more recent analysis would indicate the industry now produces more than $2 billion annually and this does not include the economic output of either Newark or Atlantic City International Airport,” Carver noted.
“Aviation is New Jersey’s gateway to international trade and the global economy. Nevertheless, we must be cognizant of the obvious dichotomy that our growth has had on those living near these facilities. Many people believe that the industry has a public-be-damned attitude. As a first step, we hope to overcome and correct this misconception,” Carver said.
The Association Board of Directors will review the results of today’s meeting and seek to establish working groups with area activists, Carver said. Additional meetings in central and southern New Jersey will be scheduled in the near future, Carver stated.
Teterboro produces more than $460 million annually for the regional Bergen County and northern New Jersey economy. It is part of the four-airport system operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey along with LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy and Newark International Airports. A long dispute between the Port Authority and the Boeing Corporation over the possible introduction of the Boeing Business Jet, a customized corporate version of the popular 737 airline model, has intensified concern of area residents. The Port Authority has banned the aircraft which exceeds the PA’s self-imposed 100,000 pound gross take-off weight limitations. Boeing insists the aircraft can operate safely and efficiently at Teterboro and is actually quieter than many planes now operating at Teterboro. The Federal Aviation Administration is mediating the dispute and is expected to issue a decision soon.
New Jersey Aviation Association
1 Airport Road, Morristown, NJ 07960-4651
Phone: 973 734 9994 - Fax: 973 734 9995
