Arizona State University Research Shows Airport Supports 10,000 Jobs In The Region

A study just released by a research institute at Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business shows that Phoenix-Mesa Airport (KIWA) pours $3.6 million in direct and indirect economic impact into the local economy every day, totaling about $1.3 billion annually. The airport also supports about 10,000 jobs in the region.

The online news site azcentral.com reports that it is the first time that the measurable impact from the airport has climbed over $1 billion.

Regional spending by those passing through the airport rose over 400 percent when compared to a study conducted in 2009-2010. Other findings show that 60 percent of those who pass through the airport are visitors, and 95 percent of those passengers are traveling for pleasure rather than business. The average plane departing KIWA carried 86 visitors who left behind about $80,000. The largest share of that was in food and beverage sales.

The study also said that airports in metropolitan areas generally are "prime locations for...high-technology firms," as well as education opportunities and research facilities tied to aviation. KIWA is "a leader in this national trend," the study said

Airport officials said the positive results of the study would help them in their efforts to develop 1,000 acres of land, including an east-side terminal to support what they says is "rapid growth" of the airport.

FMI: www.phxmesagateway.org, http://wpcarey.asu.edu