BARNSTABLE – Commercial airports on the Cape and Islands are a major piece of the economic equation in the region, according to figures released Wednesday by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
The Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study found a total annual economic output of $208 million related to the Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis.
Just over 2,100 people have jobs connected to the facility, with a total payroll over more than $85 million.
Nantucket Memorial Airport generated $378 million in economic activity and 3,802 related jobs, while Martha’s Vineyard Airport produced $120 million and just over 1,200 jobs.
All Massachusetts airports combined produced $16.6 billion in annual economic activity in 2014, supporting more than 162,000 jobs with a payroll of $6.1 billion.
“The Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study demonstrates the value that airports add to the Commonwealth by bringing in money, creating jobs and providing additional travel options throughout Massachusetts,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.
Even the smaller general aviation airports on Cape Cod provided an economic boost to the area. The Chatham Municipal Airport generated $12.5 million in 2014, while the Falmouth Airpark produced $621,000.
Just over the bridges, the Plymouth Municipal Airport provided nearly $48 million to the local economy.
State transportation officials said the 39 public-use airports in Massachusetts bring value to the state’s economic profile.
“It is important to highlight that aviation is a strong economic catalyst in the state, sustaining over 162,000 direct and indirect jobs,” said MassDOT Aeronautics Administrator Christopher Willenborg.
http://www.capecod.com/newscenter/study-local-airports-provide-major-economic-boost-region/