Donaldson Field contributes $522MM to South Carolina economy
April 17, 2018
The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) has issued a report showing that Donaldson Field leads the state in economic impact among general aviation airports. Located at the South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center (SCTAC) in Greenville, S.C., Donaldson Field is the state’s largest general aviation airport encompassing 1400 acres. Operated as a service of SCTAC, the airport is an important hub for cargo air freight and serves as a bustling aircraft maintenance and modification center providing everything from major repairs to routine inspections. Other uses include air charters, hangar and tie-down rental, flight lessons, pilot and aircraft supplies.
The SCAC report estimates Donaldson Field’s annual economic impact at $522.41 million, which is derived from employment, payroll and total spending. Direct and indirect employment at Donaldson Field is estimated at 1,874 with an annual payroll of $129.3 million. Total annual spending from airport activities is $393.1 million.
“The Upstate economy relies heavily on Donaldson Field to keep businesses operating around the clock,” says SCTAC Chief Operations Officer Danny Moyd. “The value we deliver compared to our operating and upkeep costs is one of the state’s best investments and we continue to work hard to improve upon that value every day.”
One upgrade currently underway at Donaldson Field is the repaving of its main taxiway, which has not been repaved since its original construction in 1942. Funded by a federal grant, the $3.8 million project will allow the airport to support larger aircraft.
SCTAC is a self-sufficient entity with financial strength that does not rely on local taxpayers for funding. Served by Donaldson Center Fire Department, SCTAC is home to Lockheed Martin’s Greenville Operations Center providing nose-to-tail aircraft modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul services for both military and civil aircraft. It is also home to two Fixed-Based Operators, as well as Greenville Technical College’s aircraft maintenance certification program, and dozens of manufacturing operations, such as Michelin.
Designated as a Corporate/Business (SC II) airport, Donaldson Field offers full aviation services and operates primarily for business purposes. Among all 57 airports operating in S.C., Donaldson Field ranks fifth in economic impact. Only the state’s four major commercial aviation airports in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Greenville-Spartanburg and Columbia have more economic activity due to serving general population air travel.
Detailed results of the study may be found at SCAC’s website www.scaeronautics.com. For more information about Donaldson Field, visit www.sc-tac.com/airport.
About South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center
SCTAC is one of the largest business parks in South Carolina, home to more than 100 companies as well as the 1400-acre Donaldson Field, the largest General Aviation airport in S.C. Strategically located in a state that has more than 200 aerospace and automotive manufacturers and suppliers, SCTAC is a dynamic economic hub with a global reach. To learn more about SCTAC and available industrial or aviation facilities at the Greenville center, please visit www.sc-tac.com.
