The “vital” contribution airports make to their local communities is highlighted in a report published today (Tuesday).
Airports provides £50 billion a year to the UK economy, employ one million people, contribute £8 billion a year in tax to UK public finances and support 2.5 million jobs in the tourism sector and beyond, according to the study by trade body the Airport Operators Association.
Chief executive Darren Caplan said the ‘Airports in the Community’ report has been published in order to highlight the “impressive and diverse work” airports also undertake in their local areas.
“We believe this is the first time such information has been presented together, he said.
“The report shows that – as well as being economic enablers and major employers – airports are at the centre of their local communities, providing training and apprenticeships, assisting local charities, and inspiring schoolchildren and young entrepreneurs in their local areas.
“They also provide local employment, offer commercial opportunities to businesses in the supply chain, and provide essential national and international connectivity.”
Caplan added: “The importance of airports to their local communities is often overlooked in the debates over national airport expansion and aviation taxation.
“We hope that this report will go some way to redressing the balance, demonstrating another side to aviation, a sector which we in the UK excel at and which will continue to play such a vital role in the UK’s economic recovery.”
The report also finds that airports make a significant charitable and philanthropic contribution to the UK in addition to playing a key role in economic development.