A group of seven general aviation associations has welcomed\nan updated study detailing the contributions of general aviation to the U.S.\neconomy. The study, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, determined that\ngeneral aviation supports a total 1,179,200 jobs and a total of $246.8 billion\nin total economic output in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA),\nAircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association\n(AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Helicopter Association\nInternational (HAI), National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and\nNational Business Aviation Association (NBAA) sponsored the study, with the\nsupport from JETNET LLC. and Conklin & de Decker. Leaders of the\nassociations expressed confidence in the study\u2019s portrayal of the expanding\nbreadth and depth of the general aviation industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cU.S. economic growth and opportunity coming from the\ngeneral aviation industry is increasing, and this trend will only accelerate as\nsupersonic and electrically propelled business aircraft drive deeper into their\ndevelopment phases.\u201d said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO. \u201cThis study\nconfirms that general aviation continues to have a very significant impact on\nthe U.S. economy. As an industry, we must continue to keep pace with innovation\nto improve safety and focus intently on workforce development by promoting the\namazing career potential available to young people through general aviation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs leaders in product innovation, the contributions to the\nU.S. economy by AEA member companies are significant, and we are pleased to\njoin our partners in general aviation to help share this story with\npolicymakers at all levels,\u201d said AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson. \u201cEqually\nimportant, though, is our members\u2019 continued development and installation of\nnext-generation lifesaving technologies that will make flying even safer and\nmore accessible while creating opportunities for future aviators and entrepreneurs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGeneral aviation continues to be a positive contributor to\nour nation\u2019s economy and benefits thousands of communities,\u201d said Mark Baker,\nAOPA President and CEO. \u201cWe must also continue working together to inspire the\nnext generation of pilots and aircraft technicians and recognize this uniquely\nAmerican industry and its exceptional impact on our country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis report confirms that general aviation is an economic\npowerhouse in America,\u201d said Jack J. Pelton, CEO and chairman of the board for\nthe Experimental Aircraft Association. \u201cMore than the impressive numbers,\nhowever, general aviation represents the best of our country: Innovation,\nfreedom, and a continuing reach toward progress that is encompassed by\nindividuals pursuing their own dreams of flight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe vertical-lift and helicopter industry is in a dynamic\ntransition right now, as we witness the growing potential for both new\nvertical-lift vehicles and remotely-piloted vehicles to meet demands for urban\nair mobility and delivery,\u201d said James A. Viola, HAI President and CEO. \u201cAnd\nwhile the future looks bright, this study provides reassurances of the strength\nand stability of the current helicopter industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStudies and industry collaborations like these are\ninvaluable to our efforts to demonstrate to policymakers at the local, state,\nand federal levels the impact of general aviation to communities. Our\nmembership uses these tools nationwide to support initiatives that create\nworkforce opportunities, build on responsible environmental stewardship, and\ngrow commerce,\u201d stated NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“As this important study reminds us, general aviation\nremains an essential and powerful contributor to our nation’s economy,\nproviding critical services to citizens, companies and communities across the\ncountry,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Hundreds of\nlawmakers at the federal, state and local level have recognized the industry\u2019s\nvital role in America\u2019s economy and transportation system \u2013 a role that will\nonly grow more important as the industry continues to innovate and evolve in\nthe years to come.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To determine the total U.S. economic impact of general\naviation, the study calculated the direct, indirect, induced and enabled\neconomic impacts, based on the most recent data available from 2018. <\/p>\n\n\n\n