Jan. 20, 2021

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey referred to the state’s airports as “economic engines,” after the soon-to-be-released 2020 Alabama Airport Economic Impact Study found the state’s airports contribute nearly $5 billion in statewide annual economic activity.

Eighty airports make up the aviation network in Alabama. General aviation airports make up 44% of the total economic impact, and Alabama ranks third in the country in general aviation percentage of growth.

Alabama airports contribute $267.6 million annually to state and local tax revenues, and support more than 44,000 jobs statewide.

“The aviation industry is a jobs-creating industry. Not only do on-airport companies provide jobs, but companies near the airport benefit from traveler revenue and the benefits of convenient worldwide travel for company personnel,” said Greg Voos, NBAA’s Southeast regional representative. “The Alabama study demonstrates the well-paying nature of aviation-related jobs, finding on-airport jobs with average salaries of $65,000 a year.”

The study quantifies some impacts not included in other state economic impact studies. For example, the report showed that more than 40,000 jobs in the state experience productivity increases due to aviation.

The governor’s statement also highlighted the vital role the state’s airports are playing in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to local communities, adding, “Aviation is a thriving industry in our state and an important part of our economic health.”

Review a fact sheet on the report, which will be fully available next month.