The Wyoming Department of Transportation has announced the results of its 2020 aviation economic impact study.
According to the study, aviation generates around $2 billion directly or indirectly in Wyoming each year. It adds that the industry supports nearly 22,000 jobs and $942 million payroll throughout the state and not just in aviation.
Gov. Mark Gordon said the largest impact the aviation industry makes is from the visitors that come through commercial air services, which he said is more than 700,000 people.
"These visitors contribute $1.5 billion in economic activity by supporting local businesses," he said. "Commercial airline service doesn't just bring in visitors. It's also relied upon by many businesses to attract new employees, and more importantly, to bring new economic development opportunities into our state."
While the study looked at economic impacts in Wyoming in pre-COVID-19 conditions, Gordon said that aviation also played a big role throughout the pandemic.
"Since the onset of COVID-19, Wyoming has led the nation in passenger recovery and aviation has played a role in our fight against COVID-19. We've transported personal protection equipment, medical and testing supplies, and now most recently, the vaccine," he said.
Stakeholders and officials in the state say there is still room for Wyoming's aviation industry to grow.
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Catherine Wheeler, at cwheel11@uwyo.edu.
