State’s Aviation Industry Opens Over 427,000 New Jobs

North Carolina’s recent Department of Transportation (NCDOT) report revealed aviation's $88 billion annual economic impact. The industry now supports over 427,000 jobs, ranging from agriculture to military, in the state.

"North Carolina's aviation industry is not only a cornerstone of our economy, but also a key driver of innovation," expressed Nick Short, the NCDOT Division of Aviation interim director. “This report highlights the critical role our airports play in fostering economic growth, supporting new technologies, and positioning the state as a leader in the future of aviation."

The 2025 North Carolina: The State of Aviation report was constructed by N.C. State University's Institute for Transportation Research and Education and released on January 3. The biennial analysis looks at the state’s entire aviation system, including 10 commercial airports and 62 general aviation fields. These play a crucial role in developing agriculture, military, emergency response, and aerospace innovation sectors.

The research revealed an extreme growth in the importance of aviation for North Carolina’s economy. Commercial services saw a significant spike, climbing to 74.3 million annual passengers. This translates to an increase in the state’s worldwide reach, with business and leisure travelers landing in 188 different destinations.

Though commercial air travel is the largest contributor to North Carolina’s economy, the study found that general aviation airports have been more than pulling their weight. The nearly 4,000 aircraft bring $6.8 million in property tax revenues. The research even found that a single $15 million aircraft, stationed at Hickory Regional Airport (HKY), draws in the same amount of property taxes as 60 traditional homes. This statistic is even more impressive considering the clear imbalance in public infrastructure requirements for residences compared to hangars.

“North Carolina: The State of Aviation highlights the significant economic impacts generated by the state's public airports and the many assets that support a vibrant and competitive aviation and aerospace sector,” stated NCDOT. “Both make North Carolina an ideal location to start, grow and locate an aerospace or aviation-related business.”

FMI: www.ncdot.gov