More News

North Carolina Aviation Industry contributes $88B annually to state economy; economic output data reported for local airports

By Staff Report, posted 5 months ago

North Carolina’s aviation industry contributes $88 billion each year to the state’s economy and supports more than 427,000 jobs statewide, according to the 2025 North Carolina: The State of Aviation report released today, Jan. 3. 

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation released the report to highlight the industry’s substantial economic impact and the vital role local airports play.

"North Carolina’s aviation industry is not only a cornerstone of our economy, but also a key driver of innovation,” said Nick Short, interim director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation in a  press release. “This report highlights the critical role our airports play in fostering economic growth, supporting new technologies and positioning the state as a leader in the future of aviation."

The biennial report examines the extensive economic influence of the state’s aviation system, which includes 10 commercial service airports and 62 general aviation airports. These facilities play a vital role in supporting diverse sectors such as agriculture, military operations, emergency response and aerospace innovation.

The report contains data compiled and analyzed for NCDOT by N.C. State University's Institute for Transportation Research and Education. Impacts are calculated based on factors such as jobs supported by the airports and the businesses that rely on them, and the impact of airport capital projects and operations.

Local airports within the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal's coverage area were included in the report. Those airports include: 

  • Clinton-Sampson County (CTZ) located in Clinton. This airport impacted 55 jobs, generated $4,590,000 in personal income, brought in $554,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of  $15,070,000.
  • Curtis L. Brown Jr. Field (EYF) located in Elizabethtown. This airport impacted 170 jobs, generated $16,520,000 in personal income, brought in $4,304,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $62,590,000. 
  • Fayetteville Regional (FAY) located in Fayetteville. This airport impacted 5,285 jobs, generated  $276,980,000 in personal income, brought in $48,870,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $829,230,000.
  • Harnett Regional Jetport (HRJ) located in Erwin. This airport impacted 700 jobs, generated  $59,400,000 in personal income, brought in $8,420,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $203,440,000. 
  • Laurinburg-Maxton (MEB) located in Maxton. This airport impacted 635 jobs, generated $50,260,000 in personal income, brought in $10,403,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $187,280,000. 
  • Lumberton Municipal (LBT) located in Lumberton. This airport impacted 150 jobs, generated  $12,030,000 in personal income, brought in $1,174,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of $29,470,000.
  • Moore County (SOP) located in  Pinehurst/Southern Pines. This airport impacted 650 jobs, generated $58,130,000 in personal income, brought in $7,114,000 in state and local taxes and had a total economic output of  $135,520,000.

According to the NCDOT, the state’s airports are also seeing significant growth in passenger services, with total passenger counts climbing to 74.3 million annually. These commercial service facilities connect travelers to 188 airline destinations, supporting business and leisure travel while enhancing the state’s global connectivity.

To explore the full report and learn more about how each airport contributes to its community and the state’s economy, visit the NCDOT State of Aviation webpage.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
north-carolina-military-business-center bob-burton headshott

Federal Technology Symposium 2025: Accelerating Defense Innovation Through Strategic Collaboration

Bob Burton - Director of Defense Technologies, North Carolina Military Business Center
arts-council-of-fayettevillecumberland-county josh-murray headshott

ArtScape 9 Brings New Public Art and Sponsorship Opportunities to Downtown Fayetteville

Josh Murray - Director of Development, Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County
fayetteville-state-university sambit-bhattacharya-phd headshott

FSU students and faculty make strides towards advancement in applied AI in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory

Sambit Bhattacharya, Ph.D. - Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Intelligent Systems Lab, Fayetteville State University

In The Current Issue

Wrapping up nicely: Major construction finishes up on new R & R Brewing location coming soon to downtown Clinton

Since announcing their intention to move into the historical Henry Vann building in 2023, the R & R team has been busy working with local and state historical preservation organizations to renovate the building.


Rich in memories: Rich Farm & Venue offers affordable space with modern amenities for customers to reserve for their special celebrations

Rich Farm & Venue is a 37-acre space with amenities suitable for any occasion such as weddings, birthday parties and more. Photos provided by Rich Farm & Venue. Rich Farm & Venue in the town of Roseboro combines affordable prices and


A novel concept: New bookstore and wine bar coming to downtown Fayetteville

Kellie Artis is the owner of Bound & Vine, a soon-to-open independent bookstore and wine bar. Photo by GFBJ. Bookworms and wine lovers are in for a treat as downtown’s newest tenant prepares to open later this year. Kellie Artis is the