Massachusetts Enjoys Significant Economic Benefit from Aviation

May 29, 2015

Massachusetts enjoys more than $16.6 billion in annual economic benefit from aviation, including business aviation, in part due to NBAA’s work supporting state and local business aviation groups. That figure is from the latest update of the Massachusetts Aeronautics Division’s Massachusetts Statewide Economic Impact Study. Of that figure, more than $516 million comes directly from general aviation airports.

“When all of the impacts of Massachusetts’ 39 public-use airports and associated military air facilities are added together, more than 162,000 jobs can be traced to the aviation industry. These employees receive $6.1 billion in total annual payroll and generate $16.6 billion in total economic activity,” according to the study. “Since the 2011 Massachusetts Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study, these impacts have increased by approximately 38,000 jobs, $1.2 billion in payroll, and $4.7 billion in output.”

View an executive summary of the Massachusetts study. (PDF)

“Over the years, we’ve worked hand in glove with the Massachusetts Airport Management Association (MAMA), other groups and legislators to build business aviation in Massachusetts,” said Dean Saucier, NBAA’s Northeast regional representative. “In fact, Massachusetts legislators were the first in the nation to form a state legislative GA caucus.”

The Massachusetts GA caucus was a prime mover in the 2011 defeat – for the second time – of a repeal of the state’s aircraft sales-tax exemption. One of the caucus’ leaders, State Rep. Don Humason, received NBAA’s distinguished Silk Scarf Award for his vigorous promotion of business aviation in the state.

Massachusetts’ business aviation interests rally at the state capitol every spring for an NBAA-supported “On The Hill Day,” communicating to state legislators the importance of business aviation. During legislative sessions, NBAA tracks bills, works with local organizations and provides testimony in support of those interests.

NBAA also furnished data supporting the first Massachusetts Statewide Airport System Plan in 2009. More recently, NBAA and MAMA mounted a grassroots effort to salvage a threatened airframe and powerplant (A&P) training program. Lawmakers voted unanimously to keep the program.

“Massachusetts has a fine, strong business aviation and airports community,” said Saucier. “In fact, Gov. Deval Patrick has shown his support for GA several times, twice issuing official proclamations for General Aviation Month, in 2011 and 2013.”