Monday, January 11, 2021

Gov. Ivey announces Alabama airports contribute $4.9 billion annually to state, local economies


MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced that the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Aeronautics Bureau released the summary findings of the 2020 Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study.

According to the study, Alabama’s system of 80 public airports are economic engines for their local communities and significant contributors to the overall state economy.

“Our airports are a key asset for Alabama, providing critically important access for Alabamians, as well as our visitors. The 80 airports across our state also grow businesses, industries, and they create well-paying jobs,” Governor Ivey said. “Alabama airports generate over $4.9 billion in state economic activity each year, support 44,399 jobs and $1.9 billion in payroll. Additionally, these airports generate almost $268 million in tax revenues to support local communities. We can be proud of our airport system in Alabama and the daily contributions they make to improve the quality of our lives and grow our economy.”

The study shows that flights to and from Alabama’s public airports reach every state in the United States, as well as 23 countries. Together, commercial and general aviation flights bring over 1.7 million visitors annually to the state and serve as a vital link to national and world economies.

Airports enhance the daily lives of people in Alabama by supporting first responders, creating well-paying jobs, assisting the military and providing recreational opportunities, among many others. Most recently, these airports have provided a vital role in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines to local communities.

“Aviation is a thriving industry in our state and an important part of our economic health,” Governor Ivey added.

The state’s aviation industry rankings place Alabama third in general aviation percentage growth, eighth in airport operations percentage growth and 11th in air cargo tonnage percentage growth.

The ALDOT study analyzed five economic activity categories for each airport, including economic activity generated by general aviation visitor spending, commercial aviation visitor spending, investment for capital improvements, airport business tenants and airport management.

Complete details of the study results will be available on February 15th. More information about the study can be found by visiting www.aldot-airport-study.com.

3 comments:

  1. No thanks to Clint Shelton, former boards, or the previous FBO at Pryor Field. If anything they held back progress for years. Finally we may be making headway.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The poison bite of greed and ignorance. I wonder if any board members received annuals for free or greatly reduced while the board was paying overhead expenses for the FBO/maint company. Of course the FBO sent out letters to us all when the gig was up saying they couldn’t make it and no way they could pay the utility bills for the community hangar. I bet everyone in business wishes they could be subsidized. And then turn around and bill your subsidizer for all sorts of work. This airport is behind and the ones that have suffered are the tenants, the community. Sickening to think it took almost 20 years to break a cycle of siphoning money all while claiming to not be able to make any money. New tractors, new trucks, new motor homes, setting up siblings with jobs with the company that flies the jet and buys the most fuel. Once a lion gets its claws in you. It will slowly bleed you making you suffer for decades. I hope the new board can see the clean up through and get rid of the board members left that are responsible for these atrocities.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Not many know this but there is a heavy regular aviation presence in the Mobile area between Brookley Field (now called Mobile Downtown) and Mobile Regional. Lots of jobs there. Trivia for those not in the know, Brookley Field was the filming location in Close Encounters when they were putting fake transportation stickers on those trucks in a hangar. Also it is the location of Continental Motors and every single GA aircraft that crashes that the NTSB investigates with their powerplant(s) has the engine remains flown there to tear down and test. There is also a major aircraft overhaul and maintenance facility there where FedEx, AA, and UA send their aircraft for work for the southeast - it also is a backup facility for Delta based in Atlanta. Finally, it is the home to a new Airbus final assembly plant for the new A220 series. In the north side of the state, Birmingham is a major regional airport as well and Huntsville is home to a large NASA research facility, the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center. So yes, Alabama has a heavy economic interest in the aviation industry. Well that was BC anyway (Before Covid).

    ReplyDelete