Cape and Islands Airports Create Big Economic Impact

The Patrick-Murray Administration has announced the results of a comprehensive statewide airport economic impact study that finds Massachusetts public airports generate $11.9 billion in economic activity and support approximately 124,000 jobs.  

Regionally, the eight Cape and Islands Airports generate $767.9 million for the area economy, supporting 7,787 jobs.

“The Commonwealth’s airports create jobs, economic development and transportation options,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “A strong regional economy depends on our investments in infrastructure, including facilities like the Cape and Islands Airports.”

The Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study completed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division with the assistance of the Federal Aviation Administration measured the total economic impact of the 39 public-use airports in Massachusetts, including Boston Logan International Airport.

The airports’ $11.9 billion in economic activity and 124,000 related jobs reflects commercial airline service, military aviation, emergency law enforcement and medical transport activity and general aviation.   

Along with the release of the study, Governor Deval Patrick proclaimed the month of November as "General Aviation Month."

The Cape & Islands Airports include:  Barnstable Municipal, Cape Cod Airfield, Chatham Municipal, Falmouth Airpark, Provincetown Municipal, Katama Airpark, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket Memorial.

“The airports of the Cape and Islands are proven economic engines for the tourism and commerce in the region, creating jobs directly while making many more jobs possible in the private sector,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey.

“The economic impact study confirms what the aviation community statewide understands about the vital role our airports play in providing safe transportation for commerce, military, and recreational users,” said Christopher Willenborg, MassDOT Aeronautics Division administrator.  

In addition to federal and local investments, the MassDOT Board of Directors in the past two years has approved additional infrastructure investments in the Commonwealth's airports, including a $13.4 million grant for runway extension and safety at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport and $13.1 million toward a new terminal building at Barnstable Municipal Airport, in addition to annual ongoing airport maintenance improvement projects statewide.  

The Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study executive summary is available on the web:

http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/portals/7/downloads/aero_economicStudy_111021.pdf

Information from a press release.