July 6, 2020
John C. Tune Airport (JWN) saw an almost 15% increase in overall economic impact from 2018 to 2019, contributing more than $40 million in total economic impact in 2019, according to an economic impact study commissioned by the Nashville Metropolitan Airport Authority. This number reflects both business revenue ($30.6 million) and re-spending/consumption impact ($9.5 million).
“John C. Tune Airport is a vital asset to area businesses, including the vast and continuously growing entertainment industry,” said Michelle Frazier, director of aeronautics at the Tennessee Department of Transportation. “The airport is a critical transportation link for the local and regional economy, as well as a key contributor to state and local tax funds.”
JWN is the largest general aviation airport serving downtown Nashville. More than 86,000 aircraft operations occurred in 2019, which supported 353 jobs (on-site and visitors industry) resulting in $21.1 million in direct, induced and indirect personal income. About $2 million in state, local and federal aviation-specific taxes are generated by the airport’s activity.
“This economic impact study proves how significant John C. Tune Airport is to businesses and the economy as a whole in the Nashville area and the Middle Tennessee region,” said NBAA Southeast Regional Representative Greg Voos. “NBAA commends the Nashville Metropolitan Airport Authority for its efforts to quantify and demonstrate to the public, state legislators and other leaders the economic impact of general aviation to a region.”
John C. Tune Airport was struck by an EF-2 tornado in March of this year, resulting in $93 million in infrastructure damages, not including damage to aircraft or other personal property, but reopened just two and a half weeks later.
The economic impact study also considered the impact of Nashville International Airport (BNA), which provides over 76,000 jobs and total economic impact of more than $8 billion. General aviation is well-represented at BNA, with transient general aviation operations accounting for over 15% of the operations at BNA.