GVSU study measures economic impact of airport

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has an important role in the local economy, supporting more than 40,000 jobs in West Michigan, said a Grand Valley State University economics expert.

Paul Isely, professor and associate dean of economics in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley, worked with airport officials for six months, gathering data for the economic study.

The study found the airport supports or contributes more than 40,000 additional jobs in West Michigan, with 25 percent of these jobs directly related to the airport, airport-dependent businesses and visitors. Additionally, the airport adds $3.1 billion in economic output, equivalent to 5.8 percent of the areas surrounding Kent County.

“The responses by local firms showed that not only did the airport have the traditional economic impact generated by aviation and visitor spending, but also significantly affected local business activity not directly related to the airport,” said Isely.

The study found the Gerald R. Ford International Airport supports or contributes:

• 40,311 additional jobs in West Michigan;
• $3.1 billion in economic output, equivalent to 5.8 percent of the areas surrounding Kent County;
• Visitors from outside the region who directly spend $418 million;
• Construction that creates 271 jobs during an average year for the last 25 years;
• Businesses and governmental units located at the airport contribute $212 million directly to the West Michigan economy;
• An estimated 6,500 households located within one hour of the airport that would have chosen not to live there without an airport like the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

“The strength of our airport is a direct reflection of the thriving West Michigan economy and renewed commitment of local business and leisure travelers to choose the Gerald R. Ford International Airport as their primary airport,” said Brian Ryks, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. “We are proud to do our part to help facilitate the creation of jobs and the movement of people and products across our region. We are pleased with the results of the Grand Valley State University study.”

For more information, contact Paul Isely at (616) 331-7418 or [email protected].