A new study demonstrates GA’s value to the U.S. economy, pegging its contributions at more than $150 billion.
The study, commission by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), shows that GA’s contribution is significantly higher than past estimates, indicating its increasing role as a provider of air transportation in this country.
“Because of the diverse nature of general aviation, its significant impact upon the economy is often overlooked or intermixed with other segments of transportation, masking GA’s own unique contribution,” said Jack Pelton, GAMA’s chairman, as well as chairman, president and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Co. “It is important to note that in 2005, GA contributed more than $150 billion to U.S. economic output, and directly or indirectly, employed more than 1,265,000 people whose collective earnings exceeded $53 billion.”