Important numbers are in, and 2022 was a record year of\npassenger utilization for the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). 1,838,793\npassengers flew to or from AVL in 2022, a 29% increase over 2021, and the\nhighest number of passengers ever served in one year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also just released, the North Carolina Department of\nTransportation Division of Aviation economic impact study shows that AVL\ncontributes $2.26 billion in annual economic impact to the region. The airport\nsupports 10,655 jobs, contributes $118 million in tax revenue to the region,\nand more than $700 million in personal income. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe airport continues to be an anchor organization in\nwestern North Carolina, providing global connectivity for residents and\nvisitors, as well as contributing to the economic vitality of the entire\nregion,\u201d said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., President and CEO. \u201cOur growth is linked\ndirectly to our local travelers\u2019 willingness to fly from their local airport,\nthe commitment our airline partners have made to serve our region and grow\ntheir air service, and to the increasing popularity of the area as a nationally\nknown travel destination. Now the third-busiest airport in the state, the impact\nof our airport continues to expand, which is very good for our region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In total, North Carolina\u2019s publicly owned airports are an\nimportant sector in the overall economic makeup of the state. Airports\ncontribute $72 billion to the state\u2019s economy, which is approximately 11% of\nthe state\u2019s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or total economic output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur board is deeply focused on the significant growth our\nregion\u2019s airport has experienced, and the plans occurring to manage that growth\nand the future are exciting,\u201d said Brad Galbraith, Greater Asheville Regional\nAirport Authority Board Chair. \u201cVisionary work is underway, and the results\nwill serve our region and its airport for decades into the future. It\u2019s\nimperative work, as our region\u2019s airport is a major cornerstone of western\nNorth Carolina for personal and business travel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n