Supports More Than 1.3M Jobs and $339B Economic Output

A consortium of aviation industry organizations announced that a study the group sponsored determined that the general aviation segment contributes over $339 billion in economic output to the U.S. economy, at the same time providing more than 1.3 million jobs. General aviation includes all the manufacture and operation of all aircraft issued an airworthiness certificate by the FAA, except those used by commercial air carriers and the military. The study was conducted by PwC Tax LLP.

Sponsors of the study were the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and Vertical Aviation International (VAI).

Leaders of the associations were pleased and encouraged by the study’s demonstration of the significant contribution general aviation makes to the nation’s economy.

Excerpts from their comments:

Mike Adamson, President and CEO of AEA said, “This third report in just over a decade is further evidence that general aviation is a catalyst for local economies, a lifeline for rural communities, and essential to the makeup of American commerce.”

Pete Bunce, President and CEO of GAMA said, “We are proud to report that despite challenges that have plagued the entire aerospace industry since the beginning of the pandemic, the segment of the U.S. economy affected by general aviation grew over 150,000 jobs and an additional $92 billion in annual economic impact since last reported in 2020.”

Darren Pleasance, AOPA President and CEO said, “Since the last report in 2020, the number of people learning to fly has nearly doubled, proving once again that general aviation provides more value than ever to communities across the country.”

Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the board for the EAA said, “Those of us who are involved in general aviation see its contributions, vitality, and importance every day, but this information showcases this remarkable segment of our nation’s economy for everyone.”

Greg Pecoraro, President and CEO of NASAO said, “No matter where you live in America, general aviation and the airports that support it help move people, goods, and services that are an integral part of our lives. The vast majority of the nation’s airports were designed and built to support general aviation, and they continue to play an irreplaceable role in our aviation infrastructure.”

Curt Castagna, President and CEO of NATA said, "This latest survey demonstrates the continued resiliency, growing innovation, and vast contributions of aeronautical service providers across the country.”

Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA said, “This study powerfully demonstrates general aviation’s essential and growing role in creating jobs, supporting economic activity, connecting communities and helping companies of all sizes succeed, nationally and in every state.”

James Viola, President and CEO of VAI siad, “As we saw with their critical role in the LA wildfires, helicopters are and will remain indispensable aircraft that protect communities and better people’s lives.”

FMI:  Full PwC Study