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» Press Releases
HOUSTON - Houston's airports generate more than $24 billion in total impact for the local economy, a comprehensive 2003 economic impact study reveals. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Field generate over $19 billion, $4.5 billion and $328 million in sales respectively. They also employ over 37,000 people who earn $2.5 billion annually; and create 26,000 indirect jobs with $730 million in additional wages.
Those results are based on data Dr. Steven G. Craig, University of Houston economics professor, and Campbell-Hill Aviation Group of Alexandria, Va., gathered for a comprehensive study to measure the Houston Airport System's (HAS's) economic impact. They evaluated direct and indirect impacts from Houston's air transportation and the activities that support it.
In 2004, a year after the data collection was complete, HAS overall passengers (44.8 million), international passenger traffic (5.6 million) and volume of cargo moved (782 million lbs.) reached record levels, marking a definite recovery from 9/11. The HAS also grew its stable of carriers and its list of domestic and international flights.
“The fact that we are doing more at our airports now than when Dr. Craig's group was compiling their study means that, if anything, the impact numbers they came up with are a little low,” said Rick Vacar, HAS director. “We're coming off one of the best years ever for our airports with new airlines, new destinations and a magnificent new International Arrivals Building (IAB).
“One of the most vital drivers for a local economy is its system of airports. We're meeting regional air transportation needs and will enhance what we offer travelers as Houston grows.”
The HAS is expected to double the number of passengers served by the year 2020, to 80 million passengers a year. To accommodate the expected demand additional terminal space, runways and parking and roads will be needed.
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The Houston Airport System served more than 44.8 million passengers in 2004. It is the 4th-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th-largest in the world. Bush Intercontinental is the world's 12th-busiest airport. For more information, visit www.houstonairportsystem.org.
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