Montana
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According to the Montana Airports 2016 Economic Impact Study, airports support over $2.7 billion in economic activity for the state.
Aviation by the Numbers
According to the FAA, there are 127 public-use airports in the state, which serve 4,705 pilots and 4,712 registered aircraft.
Number of Jobs
According to the Montana Airports 2016 Economic Impact Study, airports in Montana support over 23,000 jobs and an annual payroll of over $838 million.
Economic Impact
According to the same study, airports in Montana generate over $2.7 billion for the state’s economy.
According to FAA data, Montana is home to 23 repair stations, 6 FAA-approved pilot schools, 1,549 student pilots and 813 flight instructors.
In addition, there are 59 fixed-base operators in the state, according to the AC-U-KWIK directory. According to Helicopter Association International, there are 74 heliports in Montana.
According to the University Aviation Association and the Montana Department of Transportation, aviation colleges in Montana include Montana State University-Gallatin College in Bozeman, Rocky Mountain College in Billings, and the University of Montana College in Helena which offers degrees in Aeronautical Science, Aviation Management and Aviation Maintenance Technology.
Candyce Shirley, Executive Director of the Lewistown Area Chamber of Commerce
"The Lewistown Municipal Airport is a cornerstone of our community in Central Montana, particularly in healthcare services. As the nearest commercial airport is 120 miles away, our airport is crucial for emergency patient transport and enables specialists to provide vital services. Additionally, it serves as a key staging area for wildland fire crews. The airport's location significantly benefits businesses in the nearby commercial zone, making it easier for them to manage their logistics – a key aspect of their operations. This strategic location fosters growth and opens up new business opportunities. In 2023, two companies began development within this thriving airport district, marking significant progress for our rural community."