It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Kentucky is home to a thriving aviation community. Unfortunately, many have yet to realize just how big of a key player our state is in the industry. From the production of aircraft braking systems in Danville to massive freight and transport operations at various commercial airports, there is plenty to be excited about when it comes to aviation in the Bluegrass.
By the Numbers
The numbers don’t lie! In addition to generating over $23 billion in economic output and $1.2 billion in tax revenue, the state of Kentucky facilitates over a million aircraft operations throughout the year while supporting 200,000 jobs.
While the Kentucky Department of Aviation receives $24 million per year in supporting the Commonwealth’s vast aviation network, it accounts for less than 1% (.009% to be exact) of the state budget. That is a massive return on investment for an industry that has yet to become widely recognized by Kentuckians in general.
Kentucky's Air Transportation System
Kentucky’s air transportation system has continued to grow over the years, with more recent developments including a new airport in Gallatin County, which opened its runway in 2023 while serving as one of only a handful of newly constructed airports in the United States. This all plays into a larger, national effort to have essential air transportation locations within 30 nautical miles of one another.
With the recent addition of Gallatin County Regional Airport, our state has a total of 58 airports, including five commercial airports certified for passenger service. Kentucky also serves as headquarters for three major air freight companies – UPS, Amazon, and DHL. Add to that over 100 private airfields and 130 private heliports, as well as two military air facilities with operations in proximity to our general aviation airports.
Funding Kentucky Airports
When it comes to building and maintaining our state’s air transportation system, there are a variety of funding options. Funds from the Airport Improvement Program and other forms of discretionary funding are awarded from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Our state government also chips in on various projects, utilizing monies obtained via Kentucky’s Jet Fuel tax, or through supplemental legislative funding. Finally, funding may be provided at the local level to meet grant match requirements and other stipulations for ongoing preventative maintenance and new construction projects.
Operating Kentucky's Airports
Management and operation of our state’s many airports come about in a variety of ways. Airports may be city, county, or state-owned. Regardless of ownership, all points of our air transportation system are governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) – a compilation of laws designed, in this instance, to further protect and promote our various aviation assets.
A majority of airports are also operated by an airport board (largely consisting of volunteers), with the possible addition of an onsite manager. Working alongside engineering and consulting firms, these boards and support staff work to determine long-range planning for the location and in filing for FAA and other pools of funding for various projects.
Trending Demographics
At first glance, there are numerous telling indicators of the current state of Kentucky’s aviation industry:
- The current industry workforce is aging, with a disproportionally small developing workforce replacing it.
- Much can be said about the lack of inclusivity and diversity within Kentucky’s aviation industry regarding gender and ethnicity.
- Educational barriers to aviation are generally moderate.
With these points in mind, there is a pressing need to introduce the next generation to the exciting world of flight in hopes of generating interest and promoting the development of essential industry workers. Opportunities are plentiful, and gone are the days of obtaining a four-year degree to participate in an industry that has vastly changed the way we view the world around us.
In a state known for bourbon, horse racing, and a booming automotive industry, we hope that you begin to realize that Kentucky has the potential to become something more. We believe that we have creative means here at DreamFlight Charities to address current trends, transform student lives, and further our state’s influence within the aviation industry.