A study initiated by the Missouri Department of Transportation found that Branson Airport has made large economic contributions to the region since opening in 2009, with an overall impact of more than $91 million.
According to an airport news release, the statewide airport economic impact study determined the benefits of all Missouri’s airports by observing, analyzing and reporting the economic activity and impact of the state’s airport system for 2012, following the Federal Aviation Administration’s guidelines.
“As one of the newest airports in Missouri, Branson Airport has quickly grown to provide a major economic impact to Branson and the surrounding area,” said Bryan Gregory, aviation operations manager for the department of transportation, according to the airport release.
Branson Airport has created 1,460 jobs with a total payroll of more than $35 million, the release says.
The following types of economic impacts were quantified in the analysis to arrive at the final numbers:
• Direct impacts are defined as the benefits associated with businesses and activities located at or occurring on the airport.
• Indirect impacts are defined as the benefits associated with visitor spending for business and recreational activities in the local area and broader economy as a result of airport use.
• Induced impactsare defined as the benefits that result from the recirculation or respending of direct and indirect spending or payroll in the broader economy.
The airport provides business travelers with access to various industries and companies in the Branson area, the release says. Tourists arriving by air are able to enjoy popular Branson entertainment, restaurants, shopping and outdoor attractions, all contributing to the economic benefit.
The airport also supports military and civil air patrol training and exercises throughout the year.
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