South Carolina’s Commercial Airports: A $22.5 Billion Economic Engine
January 27, 2025South Carolina’s six publicly-owned commercial service airports are essential pillars of the state’s economy, generating a staggering $22.5 billion in annual economic impact, according to a comprehensive study conducted by research economist Dr. Joseph Von Nessen and co-commissioned by SC Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) and SC Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes).
The study highlights the critical role and ripple effects across industries that these airports—located in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville-Spartanburg, Hilton Head Island, and Myrtle Beach—play in supporting the Palmetto State’s economy through passenger travel and air cargo operations.
- Passenger Travel: More than 5 million passengers board flights annually from South Carolina’s commercial airports, with over 2.5 million visitors arriving each year. This activity directly bolsters the state’s vibrant tourism industry, which supports over 12% of South Carolina’s workforce.
- Economic Ripple Effect: The operations, tenants, and capital expenditures at these airports create significant direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts. This activity sustains 130,453 jobs and generates $6.8 billion in labor income.
- Cargo Operations: The airports play a pivotal role in supporting the state’s export-oriented advanced manufacturing sector, facilitating the import and export of goods that fuel South Carolina’s economic growth.
A Foundation for Future Growth
Susie Shannon, Pres. & CEO of SC Competes, noted their 2023 Population Growth study which found that South Carolina is projected to grow by 22.5% by 2040, making it the second-fastest growing state in the Southeast and projected to reach the greatest number of people within the U.S. (behind Florida). Given the Southeast’s region leading the nation in population growth, this means that South Carolina’s airports are uniquely positioned to capitalize on its airports’ economies.
“This study underscores the indispensable role our commercial airports play in South Carolina’s economic success,” said Gary Siegfried, Executive Director of the SC Aeronautics Commission. “From facilitating business operations to supporting tourism, advanced manufacturing and emergency response, these airports are vital to our state’s prosperity and competitiveness.”
About the Study
The 2024 South Carolina Commercial Airports Economic Impact Study was commissioned by SC Competes and SC Aeronautics Commission. The study was conducted by Dr. Joey Von Nessen, Research Economist at the University of South Carolina. The findings were generated using industry-standard input-output analysis through the IMPLAN software package, incorporating data on economic linkages across over 500 industries in South Carolina and its 46 counties. The full study can be found here.
About SC Competes
The South Carolina Council on Competitiveness – “SC Competes” – is a statewide, business-led, non-profit organization that drives South Carolina’s long-term economic growth by managing the state’s industry clusters and providing the research, network, and resources necessary to thrive. SC Aerospace, an initiative of SC Competes, is a collaborative network of public, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors working together to connect, support, and grow South Carolina’s aerospace assets and secure a competitive future for the Palmetto State.
About the SC Aeronautics Commission
The SC Aeronautics Commission supports and promotes aviation development and safety across South Carolina, ensuring that aviation continues to serve as a key driver of the state’s economy.