General Aviation Provides Robust Contribution to U.S. Economy

Study Reveals General Aviation Supports Over 1.3 Million Jobs and $339 Billion in Economic Output

WASHINGTON D.C., – February 19, 2025 - An updated study, released today, details the robust contributions of general aviation to the U.S. economy. A group of eight general aviation associations welcomed the update, conducted by PwC US Tax LLP, which determined that general aviation supports a total 1,330,200 jobs and a total of $339.2 billion in total economic output in the U.S.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Vertical Aviation International (VAI) sponsored the study. Leaders of the associations were encouraged by the study’s depiction of the significant contribution that the general aviation industry has on the U.S. economy.

“We are proud to report that despite challenges that have plagued the entire aerospace industry since the beginning of the pandemic, the segment of the U.S. economy affected by general aviation grew over 150,000 jobs and an additional $92 billion in annual economic impact since last reported in 2020,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO. “This growth takes place at a time when the importance of the societal benefits that general aviation brings to humankind around the globe cannot be overstated. From aerial firefighting, medical airlift, natural disaster response, law enforcement, agriculture protection, through drone vaccine delivery, general aviation is saving lives while our business aviation segment creates the corporate connectivity to allow companies the competitive advantage needed to create more jobs and promote economic growth. General aviation is the technology incubator for civil aviation – our evolution is spurring more sustainable propulsion systems, safety enhancing avionics capabilities, advanced material manufacturing, and improved maintenance, training and support. These amazing innovations all serve as a testament to the strength of our industry being propelled by the hardworking teams that are engineering, building, maintaining and servicing the aircraft of today and tomorrow.”

“This third report in just over a decade is further evidence that general aviation is a catalyst for local economies, a lifeline for rural communities, and essential to the makeup of American commerce,” said Mike Adamson, AEA president and CEO. “The economic contributions of this industry are profound, and the possibilities for the future are promising. As an industry dedicated to powering safer, more efficient flight, we are creating more high-tech and high-wage careers, innovating technologies, providing essential services and inspiring the next generation.”