New report puts U.S. general aviation impact at $339.2B

A new Alliance for Aviation Across America report says U.S. general aviation supports about 1.3 million jobs and $339.2 billion in economic output. It counts more than 214,000 active aircraft using over 19,500 landing facilities.

• $339.2 billion in U.S. economic output
• About 1.3 million jobs supported
• More than 214,000 active general aviation aircraft
• More than 19,500 landing facilities
• 4,400 public-use general aviation airports

A new national report puts hard numbers on the footprint around private flying, business aircraft, small airports and other general aviation activity. The Alliance for Aviation Across America says the sector supports about 1.3 million jobs and $339.2 billion in U.S. economic output.

The report counts more than 214,000 active general aviation aircraft, from piston singles to business jets. It also highlights more than 19,500 landing facilities, including about 4,400 public-use general aviation airports.

For private aviation, the figures are useful because they show why small airports matter beyond wealthy travelers. The same network supports medical flights, farms, manufacturers, emergency response and rural access, which is often the argument used when local airports face funding or land-use pressure.