Tennessee Department of Transportation Announces 2026 Aviation Economic Impact Study Findings

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has completed the 2026 Aviation Economic Impact Study (AEIS), detailing how aviation drives economic growth across Tennessee. Using the most recent available data, the AEIS quantifies the economic contributions from Tennessee's 76 public-use airports and off-airport air cargo to communities statewide. The findings show aviation generates $53.8 billion in annual economic activity, supports 236,000 jobs with nearly $18 billion in payroll and contributes 9% of Tennessee's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"Aviation is a gateway for commerce, competitiveness, and community connectivity in Tennessee," said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid, P.E. "From advanced manufacturing and healthcare to tourism and small business, airports enable employers to reach markets, attract talent, visitors and serve customers. These benefits extend well beyond the airport fence to every corner of the state."

The AEIS analyzes on-airport jobs and payroll, visitor spending by out-of-state travelers, off-airport air cargo movements, and aircraft operations statewide. While the study provides a "snapshot in time," the increase from $40 billion in 2019 to $53.8 billion underscores a competitive and highly valued aviation system that supports Tennessee's broader economy. This growth highlights aviation's essential role in strengthening business activity, expanding workforce access, and enhancing statewide economic competitiveness.

"Aviation is infrastructure for the economy," said TDOT Aeronautics Director John-Paul Saalwaechter, P.E. "When a manufacturer selects a site, when a hospital coordinates critical flights, when visitors choose Tennessee for a long weekend, airports make those decisions possible. The AEIS shows that aviation's value is measured in jobs, payroll, and GDP, not just runways and terminals."

Highlights from the AEIS (2025 data):

· $53.8B in total annual economic activity statewide (including airport operations, tenants, visitor spending, and air cargo impacts).

· 236,000 jobs supported and ~$18B in annual payroll.

· 9% of Tennessee's GDP is attributable to aviation-enabled activity.

· System coverage across 76 public-use airports, providing business access, rural connectivity, and visitor gateways across the state.

To read the study, visit: Economic Impact Study - TASP 2040.

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