Congressman Mike Turner (OH-3) sent a letter to US Airways Chairman & CEO Doug Parker, expressing his grave disappointment in attempts by the airline to relocate the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) Enshrinement Ceremony from Dayton, Ohio to Charlotte, North Carolina. This year would mark the fiftieth anniversary of the ceremony.
Dayton is also home to the headquarters of PSA Airlines, one of US Airways Express’ operators. With 422 employees, the Dayton region is dedicated to the success of the company, including economic assistance. Recently, the State of Ohio, Montgomery County, and the City of Dayton have approved grant assistance to PSA totaling an additional $1.2 million to assist with the expansion and renovation of their training center.
“Despite this substantial financial investment and support, US Airways is nevertheless taking strides to deprive the Dayton community of the fiftieth NAHF Enshrinement Ceremony with generous contributions to move the ceremony to Charlotte,” wrote Turner.
The NAHF was founded in 1962 as an Ohio non-profit corporation in Dayton; recognized as the “birthplace of aviation.” On July 14, 1964 the NAHF was officially chartered by the 88th U. S. Congress. The organization is a public foundation reporting annually to Congress.
“It is deeply disturbing to me that US Airways would openly defy the commitment of so many dedicated individuals in the Dayton community. As the home of the NAHF, Dayton has provided so much to both the celebration of aviation and US Airways, while the latter is now taking great strides to relocate this hallmark event from the region. I am also troubled by the fact that you fail to grasp the great magnitude of this event and would not speak to me in advance of the NAHF’s decision on the matter,” added Turner.
NOTE: The full letter here.