March 29, 2019
According to a recent report, community airports in Texas contribute more than $30 billion in payroll to employees in the state.
The study – commissioned by the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division – examines the economic impact associated with the 264 general aviation airports in the state.
The report highlights the benefits generated by general aviation airports in Texas, as well as the many indirect impacts of general aviation. Texas is home to more than 25,000 registered general aviation aircraft, accounting for 9 percent of all U.S. registered aircraft.
“Committed investment of approximately $70 million annually by the Aviation Division…means more than simply convenient transportation options via general aviation aircraft,” the report states. “The network of airports across the state provides many economic and qualitative benefits. All of these aviation assets contributed to the Texas airport system generating a variety of significant economic impacts.
“For many communities, air transportation is essential for attracting and retaining commerce, and the local airport is the valued asset that provides the link to the national air transportation system and the world economy,” according to the report.
In addition to being an essential business tool, general aviation also supports agriculture, emergency response efforts, law enforcement and military training exercises in the state, as well as search and rescue and flight training opportunities.
Read the full Texas Economic report. (PDF, 27MB)