General aviation supports about 1.33 million jobs and contributes an estimated $339.2 billion to the U.S. economy, serving as a significant economic engine despite common perceptions that it is primarily a tax-supported hobby for the wealthy, according to a recent report by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The report, officially entitled “The Impact of General Aviation on State and Local Economies,” was created by AASHTO, the Alliance for Aviation Across America, and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO).
Designed as a communication resource for state aviation and transportation officials, the report lists the economic impact of general aviation (GA) for each state and notes the total for the country.
According to the report:
- GA supported 1,330,200 jobs nationally and generated $107.5 billion in labor income.
- GA contributed $178.1 billion to gross domestic product.
- More than 4,400 public-use airports across the country can be accessed by GA, compared with 549 airports served by scheduled commercial airlines.
The report figures were drawn from Contribution of General Aviation to the U.S. Economy in 2023, released in February 2025 by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
“For thousands of communities, general aviation airports are an essential part of the broader transportation system, connecting people and businesses to jobs, markets, health care, emergency services, and destinations across the country,” said Devin Osting, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, in a news release. “This report gives state and local transportation leaders the data and examples they need to show how those airports contribute to a prosperous economy and a connected, resilient national transportation network.”
GA as a Lifeline
The report notes that California leads the nation in GA economic impact at $39.8 billion. The Golden State’s aviation boom can be attributed in part to World War II when Southern California became the home of multiple aircraft manufacturers, such as the Douglas Aircraft Company, McDonnell Aircraft, North American Aviation, Consolidated Aircraft (Convair), Northrop Corporation, Vultee Aircraft, Hughes Aircraft Company, and the Lockheed Corporation.
After the war many of the factories transitioned to civilian aircraft manufacturing. Several companies consolidated and are still there today producing aircraft.
Many of the airports now in use by GA also trace their roots to WWII. Built for the war effort, when no longer needed they were sold to the municipalities for $1 with the understanding that they would be kept as airports in perpetuity. Those airports, once on the edge of a rural community, are now much closer to populated areas and provide access to air travel and air cargo that supports other industries.