Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and North Texas U.S. congressmen Eddie Bernice Johnson (D), Sam Johnson (R), Pete Sessions (R) and Marc Veasey (D) joined hundreds of aircraft manufacturing workers, local officials and business leaders at general aviation jobs rally held by GAMA on Friday at Bombardier’s Dallas Service Center. The event also included remarks from leaders of GAMA member companies in Texas.

“As a member of the Congressional General Aviation Caucus, I’m proud to be a part of this event to celebrate, promote and protect general aviation and its economic impact to the State of Texas,” said Rep. Veasey. “General aviation is responsible for billions in economic impact annually and provides jobs for some 50,000 Texans. From job creation to transportation, the industry plays a vital role in the Texas economy and across the globe.”

According to GAMA, the GA industry contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually and supports 1.2 million jobs. A 2011 Texas Department of Transportation report found that in the state, GA contributes more than $14 billion in economic output and employs more than 56,000 people.

“These numbers are a reflection of just how important general aviation is to our nation’s economic vitality,” Gulfstream president and CEO Larry Flynn said at the event. “Together, we are positively affecting the economy by providing jobs and energizing our communities.”