Dela-WHAT?

On December 7, 1787, Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States, and is since known as The First State. In June 2022, Delaware again achieved a first by becoming the only state in the US without commercial passenger air service. After a couple start and stop attempts by Frontier Airlines, around $2 million in renovations, and one pandemic later, Delaware is sadly back where it started—without a commercial aviation option. The airport does still have service for business aviation travel and remains a frequent stop for President Biden when he visits home. While frontier has left the door open for another possible return in the future, for most individuals who need to fly out of the area, the closest airports are now Baltimore or Philadelphia.

While Delaware's distinction of being the only state without a commercial air carrier is an interesting fact, there are a few other interesting aviation things that I bet you didn't know!

While Delaware is the second smallest state in the US, it has been and remains an incredibly popular place for business entities to start as far back as the 1900s. Today, more than one million business entities call Delaware their legal home due to its advantageous package of incorporation services, including modern and flexible corporate laws, impartial judiciary and legal community, and overall business-friendly government. In fact, it is so friendly that more than 60 percent of the Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware. For business and general aviation, this means there is great opportunity and demand from executives as it is the only way companies can access the state via air!

One such company in Dover, Delaware is Fireside Partners, a Global Aerospace SM4 partner that specializes in worldwide emergency response planning. The company founder, Don Chupp, was among 40 community leaders inducted as an "honorary" commander at Dover Air Force Base in 2018, and the following year, also selected by the US Small Business Administration as the 2019 Delaware State Small Business Person of the Year.

Delaware is also only one of five states without sales tax. Who doesn't like tax free shopping? A great way to take advantage of this fact is to utilize one of the eleven public airports still open and welcoming business aviation passengers in Delaware. To pique aviation customers' interests, encourage them to visit https://www.visitdelaware.com/things-to-do/shopping and plan a fun afternoon of shopping for unique items you can't find anywhere else and then dining at one of the laid-back casual restaurants on the beach before flying home for the day.

Lastly, Advanced Aircrew Academy's Shelbe Jarrett is a graduate of Delaware State University's Aviation Program. The program has two undergraduate degrees in aviation—Aviation Management and Professional Pilot. In 2021, enrollment was approximately 125 students, so for those preferring a personal touch to their training and education, this school is a fantastic option. The program has a fleet of more than twenty planes that are based at the Delaware Airpark in Cheswold, about 10 minutes from the University's main campus.

So, while they say not to judge a book by its cover, don't count Delaware out despite its tiny size and now lack of commercial air service. In fact, for business aviation, this means we will enjoy the exclusivity we offer and we will gladly pass on the benefits of air travel to everyone wanting to enjoy all that Delaware has to offer for both business and leisure travel.