If airports were a single industry they’d be the second-largest employer in the United States.
That’s the take-away from a broad economic impact study released earlier this month by Airports Council International – North America.
The study found that commercial airports in the United States – dubbed “Airports, Inc.” – generated 10.5 million jobs and $1.2T in total economic impact in 2010.
The study, titled The Economic Impact of Commercial Airports, was prepared by CDM Smith. It attempts to quantify the contributions of 490 commercial airports in the U.S., and concludes that in addition to the broader impacts, airports are also powerful economic multipliers in communities nationwide.
The data generated will form the basis of a public relations campaign to expand understanding of the importance of commercial airports.
“We’re going to make it the basis of our message, both on Capitol Hill and, more importantly, out in the public,” says Greg Principato, president of ACI-NA. “I’m not sure that people really understand the economic impact of the airport. A lot of people take it for granted.”
Principato says he hopes the study will be the basis for a new conversation about airports, including the funding necessary to support them.
“Obviously there isn’t going to be another reauthorization for three and a half years, so we’re not using this to get some bill passed next week,” Principato says. “This is part of an effort to educate the press, the public and the politician as to the importance of airports and what they contribute to the community so in the future as we do try to go through some constructive change we can make our case.
“Maybe if people understood just how economically important airports are we will not be looking at 23 extensions,” Principato adds. “Maybe the next time people will say, ‘we really can’t afford to do this, let’s get this done’. That’s really what we’re hoping.” He adds that the data could also spur conversation on changing to more local sources of funding.
ACI-NA is working with public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard to roll out a PR campaign designed to spur interest in airports beyond the “usual” — airport employees and concessions companies, Principato says.
“We want the congressman to keep hearing from his or her constituents that the airport is really important,” Principato says. “That background music makes a difference. It hasn’t been our tune before, and we want to change the music – make it our tune that they’re playing.”
Among the findings in the report:
* U.S. airports have generated 56%vcmore jobs in America’s communities since ACI-NA last studied airports’ total economic impact in 2001.
* In 2010, airports were responsible for about 8% of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), and an estimated 7% of jobs.
* When you consider direct employment, “Airports, Inc.” is the nation’s second largest employer, after Wal-Mart.
* The effect of airports on U.S. GDP ― $1.2T ― is greater than the total value of all goods and services produced in countries like Mexico, Switzerland or South Korea, based on 2010 World Bank data.
* The annual payroll associated with U.S. commercial airports ― $365B ― is comparable to the economy of Michigan.
