Airports Contribute $1.56 billion to Montana’s Economy

The Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division recently completed a study quantifying the economic benefit of Montana’s public-use airports. Results of the Impact of Airports Study show Montana’s 120 public-use airports are a major catalyst to the state’s economy.

In 2008, the economic value of aviation in the state was estimated at $1.56 billion. This includes expenditures by hundreds of on-airport businesses and thousands of visitors using aviation services, as well as the multiplier effect associated with this spending. In total, nearly 18,750 jobs with an annual payroll of nearly $600 million are attributable to aviation in Montana. That represents 4 percent of all jobs in the state. These airports’ total economic impact comprises 4.5 percent of the estimated Gross State Product.

“While it is widely known that airports are vital to Montana’s transportation system and provide access to communities and resources across the state, the value has not been quantified,” said Jim Lynch, MDT director. “Airports provide residents and businesses a direct, efficient link to the national and global economy. Leisure travelers use airports to reach Montana’s national parks, ski resorts, hunting and fishing areas and to visit with family and friends.”

In addition, Montana residents increasingly depend on aviation to support their health, welfare and safety. Montana’s airports support critical services such as medical care, agriculture support, recreation and emergency access. They also support aerial applicators, air ambulances, law enforcement and wild land fire fighting.

This study measured the economic impact of all 121 public use airports in Montana. Seven of these airports are the State’s Primary Commercial Service Airports, while eight are Commercial Essential Air Service (EAS) Airports. There were 106 general aviation airports also included in the analysis. The study was conducted by Wilbur Smith Associates with assistance from Morrison Maierle and was funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and by the Aeronautics Division.

Copies of the technical report and executive summary as well as 72 individual airport reports are available at http://www.mdt.mt.gov/aviation. MDT attempts to provide accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person participating in any service, program or activity of the department. Alternative accessible formats of this information will be provided upon request. For further information call (406) 444-2506 or TTY (800) 335-7592, or by calling Montana Relay at 711.