Three 'takeoffs' from Blue Grass Airport's economic impact study

Last week, the Blue Grass Airport revealed the findings of its 2023 economic impact study conducted by aviation consulting firm Mead & Hunt. In addition to the record-level travel our city saw last year, it also measured its success through three factors.

Employment

The study found that the airport supported 4,745 jobs. This figure also featured part-time positions — where two part-time positions equaled one full-time position. Roles ranged from within airlines, concessions, airport administration, car rental associates, and maintenance.

Output

The airport racked up $709 million in output, aka the revenue made from costs related to travel. The study categorizes two different sources of economic impact: direct and multiplier. Direct refers to on-site revenue from employees, airlines, flight departments + schools, and more. Multiplier refers to the spending and recirculating of revenue in our economy.

Payroll

Overall, employees received $180 million in annual salary, wages, and benefits. This includes professionals working both within direct and multiplier outputs.