Local
Tennessee’s 76 public-use airports support 236,000 jobs, state study says
A new state study estimates aviation generates $53.8 billion in annual economic activity across Tennessee—up from $40 billion in 2019. The sector supports 236,000 jobs and nearly $18 billion in payroll, according to the report.
Tennessee’s 76 public-use airports are linked to $53.8 billion in annual economic activity, 236,000 jobs and nearly $18 billion in payroll, according to a new economic impact study from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
The study estimates aviation accounts for 9% of the state’s total economic output. Its measure includes airport-based jobs, spending by visitors from outside Tennessee and air cargo moving through the state—not only activity at airport facilities.
The report’s estimate is up from $40 billion in 2019. TDOT Commissioner Will Reid said airports connect people and businesses, help employers reach markets and attract workers and visitors.
“Aviation is infrastructure for the economy,” said John-Paul Saalwaechter, TDOT’s aeronautics director. He said the sector’s contribution can be seen in jobs, payroll and economic activity, including benefits for manufacturers, hospitals and travelers.
The study describes impacts across the state, including air links that serve rural communities and make travel to Tennessee easier. Its findings put a dollar figure on aviation’s reach beyond major airports such as Nashville International, while the available figures do not break out the economic contribution of individual airports or communities.
The full study is available through the Tennessee Aviation System Plan website.