2020 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics undertook the 2020 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study (CEIS) to calculate and document the quantitative contributions of aviation to the state. Based on 2018 data, the 2020 CEIS results demonstrate the significant economic impact the state’s airport system has on each airport community as well as the statewide economy.
The 2020 CEIS and its companion, the 2020 Colorado Aviation System Plan (CASP), both included research and documentation of the qualitative impacts and stories of how airports contribute to the state and its residents beyond the quantitative analysis. While there are over 400 airport facilities in Colorado, only the 74 public-use facilities were considered for inclusion in the 2020 CEIS. Four of the privately-owned, public-use airports were not included as they either declined participation or did not respond to survey requests. As such, the 2020 CEIS consists of 70 public-use airports which include 65 publicly-owned and 5 privately-owned airports.
These 70 airports in Colorado’s public-use airport system support and contribute to the state and regional economies of Colorado. The airports themselves play a vital role in the state’s transportation system by providing both commercial airline and general aviation (GA) service within the state, throughout the U.S., and across the globe. They are also important job centers and gateways for out-of-state visitors to reach all corners of the state. Together, the operation of airports (including airport administration, airport tenants, and capital improvements) and visitor spending from those using both commercial airline service and GA aircraft contribute to the state’s economy.
Download the 2020 Study
