General Aviation’s Economic Impact Reaches $339 Billion Nationwide

A newly released national report underscores the important role general aviation airports play in the U.S. economy and in the communities they serve.

According to The Impact of General Aviation on State and Local Economies, State Reports 2026, general aviation supports approximately 1.33 million jobs, $107.5 billion in labor income and $339.2 billion in total economic output nationwide. The industry also contributes approximately $178.1 billion to U.S. gross domestic product.

The report examines the impact of general aviation across all 50 states and highlights the role local airports play in connecting people and businesses with jobs, markets, healthcare, emergency services and destinations throughout the country.

A Significant Impact in Florida

Florida is among the nation’s leading general aviation states. General aviation airports across the state support more than 156,000 jobs, generate more than $7.9 billion in annual payroll, and contribute more than $27.4 billion annually to Florida’s economy.

For Sebring Regional Airport, those numbers reinforce the important connection between aviation infrastructure and economic development.

Sebring is part of a nationwide network of regional and general aviation airports that supports business activity, provides critical transportation infrastructure and creates opportunities for continued investment and growth.

General aviation’s impact doesn’t stop at the airport fence. Its benefits extend throughout the communities and regions these airports serve.