PRESS RELEASE

A recent economic impact report shows that the Long Beach Airport Aviation Complex (Complex) supports 46,000 jobs and generates $8.6 billion for the regional economy, confirming the importance of the Airport as an economic engine and its positive financial impact on the community. To recognize the important role the Airport plays in attracting economic vitality, the report measures the total economic impact of both the Airport and the broader Complex, which includes all business entities within a defined area north of the 405 freeway and south of Carson Street, bordered by Clark Avenue and Cherry Avenue. Most, but not all, of the property is owned by the City of Long Beach. 

"Long Beach Airport has always been important to supporting a strong economy in the city,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “This economic impact report makes it clear that it is also a substantial contributor to the region’s economy, supporting 46,000 jobs and generating $8.6 billion regionally.”

The report describes the direct impact from the Airport, its businesses and passengers’ spending, and subsequent multiplier effects on businesses that hire employees and purchase goods from other businesses and from employees who spend their earnings locally. Similarly, the entire Complex was analyzed. The Airport itself accounts for nearly $1.6 billion in economic impact and supports more than 10,000 jobs.

The Complex houses 441 businesses, a number that has grown significantly due to the development of Douglas Park and the Long Beach Exchange. Further development is expected now that the former Boeing manufacturing plant, located within the Complex, has sold for $200 million and is slated for development.

“This report shows what a tremendous economic benefit Long Beach Airport is to our local economy,” said Councilwoman Stacy Mungo, who represents the area. “With construction underway at the Airport and the ongoing development of Douglas Park and the Long Beach Exchange, we anticipate this impact to be even stronger in the future.”

This is the first time the study measured the impact of visitor spending on the local economy. Based on extensive passenger surveys, the average commercial passenger traveling from out of town spent $546 off-airport on accommodations, ground transportation, food, shopping and entertainment, while general aviation passengers spent an average of $335. Based on these numbers, this combined visitor spending supports about 5,800 jobs.

“We’re delighted that Long Beach Airport continues to be known for its ease and convenience, and also plays a major role in stimulating and supporting our community,” said Cynthia Guidry, Long Beach Airport Director. “The Airport is an important commercial travel hub that attracts enterprise and jobs.”

Long Beach Airport is a self-supporting enterprise of the City of Long Beach and does not receive local tax dollars. The economic activities arising from the operation of the Airport generate tax revenues that help fund local government services and public infrastructure. Estimates are based on the Airport’s total value-added impact – a measure of the Airport’s contribution to gross domestic product – and data on state and local government tax revenues. The report estimates that the Airport contributed $79 million from the provision and use of air transportation and a total of $615 million from the economic activity generated by the entire Complex. For more information, visit lgb.org/economicimpact. 

The study, based on 2018 data, was conducted by Unison Consulting, a leading aviation consultancy firm that specializes in Airport finance and economics. 

About the City of Long Beach

Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health, Parks, Recreation and Marine, Development Services and more. The City also has a highly-respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, five golf courses, 171 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths, and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit http://longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

About Long Beach Airport 
Founded in 1923 as the first municipally-owned airport in California, Long Beach Airport (LGB) is wrapping up its 95th year of service. A new passenger concourse opened to the public in 2012 and has since earned extensive praise for its modern design and architecture, local eateries and easygoing travel experience. Recently, Sunset magazine awarded LGB with a Best of 2017 Travel Award. In addition, USA Today and 10Best.com recognized LGB for Best Airport Dining in their Readers Choice poll. LGB offers non-stop service to several U.S. cities while supporting a healthy general aviation community with over 260,000 annual operations. The airport is also a source of substantial economic activity and employment. Long Beach Airport prides itself in preserving its esteemed historic legacy and maintaining a safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible operation. For more news, pictures, videos and announcements of what's happening, "Like" us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @LBAirport and Instagram @lgbairport.

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