North Dakota Aviation Economic Impact Study Released

Mar 23, 2011 2:19 PM

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has announced the results of a study of the economic impact of aviation in the state of North Dakota.

Aviation is a significant economic catalyst in North Dakota, according to the commission.

The study analyzed numerous segments in the aviation industry and found that aviation-related activity creates nearly 15,500 jobs and produces $1.6 billion in economic activity across North Dakota.

“We have been working hard to grow and diversify North Dakota’s economy, and the state’s aviation sector continues to play an important role in those efforts,” Gov. Jack Dalrymple says in the executive summary.

The study found:

  • Commercial airlines in North Dakota boarded 798,965 passengers in 2010, an 11 percent increase over 2009.
  • General aviation aircraft conducted an estimated 673,000 operations in 2010.
  • The 89 airports in North Dakota created 9,792 jobs that apply to the aviation industry.
  • Aviation employees receive $366 million in payroll.
  • On-airport activity generates $1.1 billion in economic output.

The study also determined the economic benefits from off-airport activity.

Off-airport aerospace manufacturing supports 4,434 jobs and produces $487 million in economic output. This segment also included the economic activity generated by the growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry, which has an estimated impact of $27.1 million. Currently, the growing UAS industry supports 231 jobs in the state.

In addition to economic benefits, aviation in North Dakota provides a number of health, welfare and safety benefits that defy conventional measurement, the commission says. Such services include medical transport and evacuation, flight training, law enforcement flights, wildlife management, military exercises, and search and rescue operations.

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