General Aviation: A Pillar of the U.S. Economy Supporting 1.33M Jobs & $339B Output
A groundbreaking report underscores the pivotal role of general aviation in the U.S. economy, supporting over 1.33 million jobs and generating an impressive $339.2 billion in total economic output across the country.
The report, officially titled The Impact of General Aviation on State and Local Economies, State Reports 2026, 4th Edition, is a joint publication by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Alliance for Aviation Across America, and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). It was unveiled at the NASAO Annual Convention in September and became available digitally in late September 2026.
Key insights from the report highlight that general aviation also generates $107.5 billion in labor income and contributes approximately $178.1 billion directly to U.S. gross domestic product. With the industry utilizing more than 4,400 public-use airports — significantly more than commercial airlines — it serves as a crucial transportation lifeline for thousands of small and rural communities nationwide.
The fourth edition of the report introduces new sections on advanced air mobility, uncrewed aircraft systems, and sustainable aviation fuel programs. These additions reflect the expanding definition of “general aviation” in recent years. The national figures in the report are based on a 2025 study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, commissioned by eight major industry associations including GAMA, AOPA, EAA, and NBAA.
Source: AVweb – Report Details Nationwide GA Economic Impact