Your Airport’s Greatest Asset May Be the Community That Surrounds It

ImpactAir: The Aviation Advantage for Communities gives economic developers, airport executives/managers, elected officials, and industry stakeholders a resource to explore. 

A community can spend millions improving its airport, develop a new master plan, commission an economic impact study, and launch a sophisticated marketing campaign, but that can all amount to minimal impact if airport and community leaders can’t convince residents that the airport matters.

Public perception and engagement matter. Not just because opposition can delay projects, but because an airport's long-term economic success depends on something far more important than publicity: the relationship between the airport and the community it serves.

Airport advocates need to talk directly to the community members because community members who oppose airports often don't see the direct benefits the airport brings to the surrounding community. Community identity and support emerge from the people, institutions, businesses, experiences, and shared expectations that make a place distinctive. Yet airport revitalization efforts overlook this principle.

We talk about runways, hangars, fuel sales, aircraft operations, and capital improvement programs. We commission feasibility studies and identify potential tenants. We develop marketing materials to attract businesses from outside the community.

But we sometimes forget to ask a more fundamental question: Do the people who live around the airport understand its value, believe in its future, and see themselves as participants in its success?

By reaching out to those residents and explaining the power of an airport to fuel economic development that benefits the entire community, city leaders and airport managers can clear the runway for future success. 

Find out whether your airport is ready for its next economic opportunity

Golden Shovel Agency has published research to help you build the case for your airport. Now, our new Airport Opportunity Scorecard will provide a baseline report on your airport's economic readiness and highlight areas for improvement. 

Just complete the 15-question survey, and Golden Shovel Agency will send you an Opportunity Scorecard report detailing your airport's readiness for economic promotion.  

We believe in the power of airports and want you to have the best information available. If you’re ready to capitalize on your airport’s value, we invite you to complete the Aviation Opportunity Scorecard and start making that value visible to you and your community. 

Ron Kresha is a founding member of Golden Shovel Agency, an avid pilot and an aviation strategist. He is a leading voice for airport strategy development and economic development. He frequently presents his research at aviation and economic development conferences.