The study, being conducted by the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), will examine Virginia airports’ wide range of benefits and economic contributions to both residents and visitors. Specifically, the study will survey Virginia’s airport managers, airport tenants, airport-dependent businesses, aircraft owners and airport visitors to determine the impact that the Commonwealth’s airports have on the economy. A thorough analysis of both on-airport and off-airport spending will be conducted.
The study team will coordinate their efforts with the Commonwealth’s Statewide Multi-Modal Transportation Plan as well as the Virginia Aerospace Economic Impact Study being conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration will be involved in the study to ensure comprehensive results.
“The Virginia aviation community is a greater component of the Commonwealth’s economy than many perceive,” said Rusty Harrington, manager of the Planning and Environmental Section of the Airport Services Division at DOAV. “With 66 airports in Virginia’s system of public-use airports, this study is critical in fostering an understanding of the economic value that the Commonwealth’s airports provide to Virginia. We hope this study encourages decision-makers, at all levels in both the public and private sectors, to support their local airports. One benefit of the study is that it also extends into the communities and businesses that are served by the airports. That is where the real story needs to be told.”
The study began in June 2010 and will be conducted over the next twelve months. Results of the study will be published by June 2011.
