Determinants of financial health of US general aviation airports

Abstract

This survey-based study investigates the current financial environment of US general aviation airports. Due to a dearth of data and research on the financial performance of general aviation airports, the paper provides vital information regarding the critical needs and major revenue sources of such airports. The findings suggest that general aviation airports can be self-sustaining regardless of their location, runway length and other airport-specific characteristics. The attitudes of the airport manager towards the importance of financial self-sustainability, positive relationships with local communities, and utilisation of non-traditional and non-aviation revenue sources are found to be critical for the financial health of general aviation airports. In addition, the research provides estimates of the funding needs of US general aviation airports and evidence of the cumulative demand for T-hangars on a national basis.