Report: Airports, including those in Cabarrus and Rowan, contribute $61 billion, 373,000 jobs to N.C. economy each year Airports, like Concord-Padgett Regional in Concord, make a significant impact on the state economy. (Source: WBTV File) By David Whisenant | January 12, 2021 at 6:45 AM EST - Updated January 12 at 6:45 AM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - North Carolinaâs publicly owned airports contribute $61 billion to the stateâs economy each year and support 373,000 jobs, according to a report released by the N.C. Department of Transportationâs Division of Aviation.
Airports and aviation-related jobs also provide $15 billion in personal income and contribute $2.5 billion in state and local tax revenues every year, based on 2019 data.
Updated January 12, 2021 12:57 p.m. EST
By Abbey Slattery, WRAL Digital Solutions
This article was written for our sponsor, Raleigh Executive Jetport.
North Carolina s public airports contribute $52 billion to the state s economy every year, according to the state Department of Transportation, and in the process support 307,000 jobs, $12.6 billion in personal income and $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenues.
In short, aviation is an underrated pillar in the state s economy. While major hubs like Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte bring in plenty of commercial traffic, regional airports like Raleigh Executive Jetport are opening the door for smaller counties to get in on the action.