Orlando Melbourne International Airport Reports $2.61 Billion Regional Economic Impact
By Space Coast Daily // August 27, 2016
Brevard economic powerhouse
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) unveiled a study showing an estimated $2.61 billion annual economic impact on the community, affirming MLB as one of Brevard County’s leading economic powerhouses.
This is the first economic impact study on the Airport since 1999.
MLB is served by Delta Air Lines, Porter Airlines, American Airlines, Baer Air and Elite Airways with three runways, a 200,000 sq. ft. terminal and a 40,000 sq. ft. customs facility. Airport tenants include Harris Corp. (world HQ), Embraer, Northrop Grumman, L3, General Dynamics, GE Transportation, Thales Group and Rockwell Collins.
Serving nearly 500,000 passengers annually, MLB is the closest airport to Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center and 72 miles of unspoiled beaches.
The study involved collecting and analyzing data from a majority of the companies (71 percent) located at the airport. It measured direct, indirect and induced effects on the aviation and non-aviation related businesses located at the airport, employment, visitor spending and construction.
“It’s fantastic to see these numbers, said Airport Executive Director Greg Donovan, AAE at a meeting of the airport authority this week.
“It’s important for the community to understand that one out of every $20 generated in Brevard County has ties to the airport.”
Donovan emphasized that the study confirmed beyond question that the airport does not depend on Ad Valorem or general sales taxes.
This economic impact study shows a double return than 16 years ago. Although impressive, Donovan points out that it will be out of date as soon as Northrop Grumman completes hiring the necessary workforce to support its B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber development contract.
“Project Magellan” adds $500 million in infrastructure and 1,800 jobs with an average salary of $100,000 airside at MLB.
In addition, executive jet manufacturing giant Embraer’s Legacy 450/500 Jet project will be complete in 2017, adding $52.8 Million in aircraft production infrastructure and 600 jobs at MLB.
The study was conducted by Patrick Mac Carthaigh, MSA, while completing a Master’s Degree program at Florida Institute of Technology for its airport development and management program.
Mac Carthaigh is now airfield supervisor at MLB.
For more information, visit www.MLBair.com
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