Three ‘takeoffs’ from Blue Grass Airport’s economic impact study

Last week, our airport revealed the findings of its economic impact study after 1.3 million passengers flew to and from Lexington last year.

Blue Grass Airport 2022

The study utilizes three metrics to study Blue Grass Airport’s economic impact. | Photo courtesy of Blue Grass Airport

Last week, the Blue Grass Airport revealed the findings of its 2023 economic impact study conducted by aviation consulting firm Mead & Hunt. In addition to the record-level travel our city saw last year, it also measured its success through three factors.

Employment

The study found that the airport supported 4,745 jobs. This figure also featured part-time positions — where two part-time positions equaled one full-time position. Roles ranged from within airlines, concessions, airport administration, car rental associates, and maintenance.

Output

The airport racked up $709 million in output, aka the revenue made from costs related to travel. The study categorizes two different sources of economic impact: direct and multiplier. Direct refers to on-site revenue from employees, airlines, flight departments + schools, and more. Multiplier refers to the spending and recirculating of revenue in our economy.

Payroll

Overall, employees received $180 million in annual salary, wages, and benefits. This includes professionals working both within direct and multiplier outputs.

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