Jan. 22, 2019
According to a recent report, North Carolina’s public airports contribute $52 billion to the state’s economy each year, and support 307,000 jobs that generate $12.6 billion in personal income and $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenue.
The North Carolina: The State of Aviation report was prepared by the Institute for Transportation Research and Education at North Carolina State University for the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation. The report looked at the economic impacts associated with the 72 publicly owned airports, and the aviation and aerospace assets that rely on them in the state.
The report highlights the economic impacts generated by public airports in North Carolina as well as the many assets that support a vibrant and competitive aviation and aerospace sector.
“Businesses base their aircraft at our local airports, they fly in and out of them to connect with markets and partners, and they use them to transport and deliver parts and products,” said Bobby Watson, director, division of aviation, North Carolina Department of Transportation. “The impact numbers show just how significant a role airports play in our economy.”
North Carolina is home to the second fastest growing aerospace manufacturing sector in the U.S., leading to more quality jobs for North Carolina residents. North Carolina is also at the forefront of innovations and growth of an unmanned aircraft systems economy.
94 percent of North Carolina’s population live within a 30-minute drive of one of the 72 public airports in the state. These airports are an important point of access for residents, and generate significant economic return for their communities and the state.
“This report is a good yard stick to see how the state’s master plan for the economy is panning out,” said Greg Voos, southeastern regional representative, NBAA. “It’s such a valuable tool and it’s important to have fresh data to refer to moving forward.”