Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced that the Alabama\nDepartment of Transportation (ALDOT) Aeronautics Bureau released the summary\nfindings of the 2020 Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study. According to the\nstudy, Alabama\u2019s system of 80 public airports are economic engines for their\nlocal communities and significant contributors to the overall state economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur airports are a key asset for Alabama, providing\ncritically important access for Alabamians, as well as our visitors. The 80\nairports across our state also grow businesses, industries, and they create\nwell-paying jobs,\u201d Governor Ivey said. \u201cAlabama airports generate over $4.9\nbillion in state economic activity each year, support 44,399 jobs and $1.9\nbillion in payroll. Additionally, these airports generate almost $268 million\nin tax revenues to support local communities. We can be proud of our airport\nsystem in Alabama and the daily contributions they make to improve the quality\nof our lives and grow our economy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The study shows that flights to and from Alabama\u2019s public\nairports reach every state in the United States, as well as 23 countries.\nTogether, commercial and general aviation flights bring over 1.7 million\nvisitors annually to the state and serve as a vital link to national and world\neconomies. Airports enhance the daily lives of people in Alabama by supporting\nfirst responders, creating well-paying jobs, assisting the military and\nproviding recreational opportunities, among many others. Most recently, these\nairports have provided a vital role in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines\nto local communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAviation is a thriving industry in our state and an\nimportant part of our economic health,\u201d Governor Ivey added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The state\u2019s aviation industry rankings place Alabama third\nin general aviation percentage growth, eighth in airport operations percentage\ngrowth and 11th in air cargo tonnage percentage growth. The ALDOT study\nanalyzed five economic activity categories for each airport, including economic\nactivity generated by general aviation visitor spending, commercial aviation\nvisitor spending, investment for capital improvements, airport business tenants\nand airport management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n