Michigan
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According to the 2017 Michigan Aviation System Plan, general aviation airports in Michigan support over $5.2 billion in total economic impact.
Aviation by the Numbers
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, Office of Aeronautics, Michigan is home to 210 general aviation airports. According to the FAA, these airports support 16,153 pilots and 6,904 registered aircraft..
Number of Jobs
According to the 2017 Michigan Aviation System Plan, general aviation airports support over 33,000 jobs in Michigan, resulting in over $1.4 billion in labor income.
Economic Impact
According to the same study, general aviation airports in Michigan support over $5.2 billion in total economic impact annually.
According to FAA data, Michigan is home to 88 repair stations, 7 FAA-approved pilot schools, 5,465 student pilots and 2,850 flight instructors.
In addition, there are 113 fixed-base operators in the state, according to the comprehensive AC-U-KWIK directory. According to Helicopter Association International, there are 188 heliports in Michigan.
According to the University Aviation Association and the Michigan Department of Transportation, collegiate flight departments in Michigan include Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Lansing Community College in Lansing, Baker College in Flint, Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan Institute of Aeronautics in Canton, and Western Michigan University College of Aviation in Battle Creek.
Sustainability
Avfuel, a leading supplier of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is headquartered in Ann Arbor. Williams International, an aircraft engine manufacturer based in Pontiac, recently completed a successful flight test using 100% SAF. Ford and the University of Michigan teamed up to produce the first ever sustainability study of urban air mobility.
Michael Alaimo, Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce
"On the heels of this unprecedented global pandemic and with thousands of businesses and virtually every industry and supply chain in our country reliant on aviation and general aviation, now is the time to invest in this critical part of our infrastructure. This will not only help businesses to maintain and increase their efficiency and productivity, but ensure access to over 5,000 airports, including 211 general aviation airports in Michigan that support more than 33,000 jobs.
Here in Michigan, companies like AvFuel and Williams International are expanding the use of SAF, while major employers, such as the automotive industry, are making investments in AAM. We should support these investments at both the state and national level."
Mayor Mark Behnke, Battle Creek, Michigan
"The Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field has been serving our community for almost 100 years. Annually, the airport has an economic impact of $438 million and a payroll of $93.7 million.
"Even without commercial airline service, the local airport is one of the three busiest in Michigan, supporting businesses and manufacturers through air cargo and corporate flight operations, as well as critical services for the local community. The airport is also home to Western Michigan University College of Aviation and a number of aviation businesses.
"General aviation and our network of local airports support our local economy and region, and help our companies and communities to stay competitive."
