JACKSONVILLE, October 8, 2014 – Jacksonville Aviation Authority and its four airports generate approximately $3.1 billion in annual economic impact for the local community, according to the 2014 Florida Department of Transportation Aviation Economic Impact Study.
That level of economic activity represents a 7 percent increase since the study was last conducted in 2010.
Economic output at Cecil Airport, which has experienced significant growth of the past several years, jumped 35 percent to $720 million, from $531 million in 2010. Jacksonville International Airport generated $2.2 billion in economic activity, while Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport contributed $132 million and Herlong Recreational Airport produced $22 million.
The FDOT study found that aviation in Florida is responsible for an estimated $144 billion in annual economic activity.
The study measured all aviation-related economic impacts that take place on an airport such as on-airport tenants (businesses and government agencies), airport construction, and airport management, as well as off-airport impacts, such as those that are associated with visitor spending.
“This study highlights aviation’s significant economic benefit to Jacksonville and the state of Florida,” said JAA Director of External Affairs Michael Stewart, who also serves as president of the Florida Airports Council. “Our airports generate thousands of good paying jobs and opportunities to countless businesses.”
Among the airport activities measured in the study are: construction, military operations, air cargo, aviation education, aviation manufacturing and federal agencies such as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
