Study reveals general aviation supports over 1.3 million jobs and $339 billion in economic output
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 19, 2025 – An updated study, released today, details the robust contributions of general aviation to the U.S. economy. A group of eight general aviation associations welcomed the update, conducted by PwC US Tax LLP, which determined that general aviation supports a total 1,330,200 jobs and a total of $339.2 billion in total economic output in the U.S.
The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Vertical Aviation International (VAI) sponsored the study. Leaders of the associations were encouraged by the study’s depiction of the significant contribution that the general aviation industry has on the U.S. economy.
“This third report in just over a decade is further evidence that general aviation is a catalyst for local economies, a lifeline for rural communities, and essential to the makeup of American commerce,” said Mike Adamson, AEA president and CEO. “The economic contributions of this industry are profound, and the possibilities for the future are promising. As an industry dedicated to powering safer, more efficient flight, we are creating more high-tech and high-wage careers, innovating technologies, providing essential services and inspiring the next generation.”
“We are proud to report that despite challenges that have plagued the entire aerospace industry since the beginning of the pandemic, the segment of the U.S. economy affected by general aviation grew over 150,000 jobs and an additional $92 billion in annual economic impact since last reported in 2020,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. “This growth takes place at a time when the importance of the societal benefits that general aviation brings to humankind around the globe cannot be overstated. From aerial firefighting, medical airlift, natural disaster response, law enforcement, agriculture protection, through drone vaccine delivery, general aviation is saving lives while our business aviation segment creates the corporate connectivity to allow companies the competitive advantage needed to create more jobs and promote economic growth. General aviation is the technology incubator for civil aviation – our evolution is spurring more sustainable propulsion systems, safety enhancing avionics capabilities, advanced material manufacturing, and improved maintenance, training and support. These amazing innovations all serve as a testament to the strength of our industry being propelled by the hardworking teams that are engineering building, maintaining, and servicing the aircraft of today and tomorrow.”
“This report shows the growing impact of general aviation in every part of the U.S.,” said Darren Pleasance, AOPA president and CEO. “Since the last report in 2020, the number of people learning to fly has nearly doubled, proving once again that general aviation provides more value than ever to communities across the country. As an industry, we must do our part to continue to inspire and provide resources for future pilots, aircraft technicians, and others who want to work in this industry.”
“Those of us who are involved in general aviation see its contributions, vitality, and importance every day, but this information showcases this remarkable segment of our nation’s economy for everyone,” said Jack J. Pelton, CEO and chairman of the board for the Experimental Aircraft Association. “General aviation is not only about economic growth, it is also about supporting communities and individuals as a unique element of personal freedom in America.”
“While general aviation’s contribution to the nation’s economy and transportation system is often overlooked, this study outlines the critical role it plays in connecting communities and providing job opportunities,” said Greg Pecoraro, president and CEO of NASAO. “No matter where you live in America, general aviation and the airports that support it help move people, goods, and services that are an integral part of our lives. The vast majority of the nation’s airports were designed and built to support general aviation, and they continue to play an irreplaceable role in our aviation infrastructure.”
"This latest survey demonstrates the continued resiliency, growing innovation, and vast contributions of aeronautical service providers across the country. The professionals at FBOs, air charter operations, MROs, general aviation airports, flight training organizations, and advanced air mobility companies work tirelessly to ensure safe, efficient, and essential aviation services at all times and in any environment, while driving job creation and economic growth," stated Curt Castagna, NATA president and CEO.
“This study powerfully demonstrates general aviation’s essential and growing role in creating jobs, supporting economic activity, connecting communities and helping companies of all sizes succeed, nationally and in every state,” said Ed Bolen, NBAA president and CEO. "This authoritative report will be valuable in our industry’s work to educate policymakers and opinion leaders about the sector’s size and central role in the nation’s economy and transportation system.”
“As we saw with their critical role in the LA wildfires, helicopters are and will remain indispensable aircraft that protect communities and better people’s lives,” said James Viola, president and CEO of VAI. “Today’s helicopters and the burgeoning advanced air mobility VTOL fleet will only continue to enhance vertical aviation’s contributions to society and the global economy.”
To determine the total U.S. economic impact of general aviation, the study calculated the direct, indirect, induced and enabled economic impacts, based on the most recent data available from 2023.
The PwC study is available for download HERE.
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Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries, including approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of aircraft electronics systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of aircraft electronics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.