Airports: $2.5B econ activity

JACKSON - A study by the Mississippi Department of Transportation shows that state’s 73 airports generate more than $2.5 billion annually in economic activity; provides more than 20,000 aviation direct and indirect jobs; and about $722 million in total wages. The Golden Triangle Regional Airport’s economic impact is about $272,548,000, says the GTRA’s executive director. The state has eight commercial service airports – GTR, Greenville, Gulfport-Biloxi, Hattiesburg-Laurel, Jackson, Meridian’s Key Field, Tunica Municipal and Tupelo - accommodate more than 1.1 million passengers a year. GTRA has more than 85,000 travelers annually and directly or indirectly employs 1,668 people. There are 65 smaller, general aviation airports across Mississippi. (The Associated Press 08/04/14)