WS Chronicle

Smith Reynolds Airport has an $885 million impact on the local economy and supports 3,190 jobs, according to a new report from the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division. 

The North Carolina: The State of Aviation report shows the economic impact of the state’s 72 publicly-owned airports and their related aviation and aerospace assets. The report was created as a guide for aviation investment and to help with recruiting aviation and aerospace businesses. 

The report said Smith Reynolds, a county-owned and operated airport located on North Liberty Street, once again created the most economic impact among the state’s 62 general aviation public airports, which don’t offer commercial service. The report also found Smith Reynolds contributes $251.3 million in personal income and $24 million in state and local tax revenue. The airport is used for corporate aircraft, air charter services, general aviation and air cargo. Its tenants include Signature Aviation, Signature TECHNICAir, Piedmont Flight Training, Special Event Transportation, Avis Budget Group, Aero8, Piedmont Propulsion Systems, the Forsyth Tech Mazie S. Woodruff Aviation Technology Lab, and North State Aviation, which does aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).  

“It is exciting to see the report every two years to see how we measure up and contribute to the economic growth of the community,” said Smith Reynolds Airport Director Mark Davidson. “Forsyth County and the NCDOT Division of Aviation have been investing heavily in the infrastructure at the Airport, and it is paying off in creating jobs and economic growth.” 

The report found that the state’s public airports contribute more than $88 billion to the state’s economy and $4.8 billion in state and local tax revenues. They also support 427,000 jobs that provide $34 billion in personal income. 

“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. “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.” 

To view the full report, visit https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/aviation/Documents/state-of-aviation.pdf.