BWI Contributes $5.7 Billion to Maryland Economy in 2002; New Study Indicates Airport Generates, Supports 104,000 Jobs

10/3/2003

From: Jonathan Dean of Tracy Newman of the Maryland Aviation Administration, 410-859-7027

BALTIMORE, Md., Oct. 3 -- Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) produced more than $5.69 billion in total economic activity for the region last year, according to a study released today by the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA). The study concluded that, in 2002, the 19.1 million passengers who used BWI and the 554 million pounds of air cargo that moved via the Airport generated 104,758 jobs for the Baltimore-Washington region. This is an increase of more than 20,000 jobs from the last BWI economic impact analysis, which reflected figures for 2000.

"This new study confirms that BWI Airport helps drive economic growth for the entire region," said Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. "Every year, the Airport generates thousands of jobs with billions of dollars in wages, business revenues and tax revenues. As BWI continues to expand and flourish, it will provide even more economic opportunities for the state of Maryland and the region."

The economic impacts reported by the study indicate that the regional tourism industry greatly benefits from Airport's success. The 4.9 million tourists who arrived in the Baltimore-Washington area through BWI in 2002 are estimated to have spent nearly $3 billion for lodging, food, entertainment and transportation. This spending supported 52,561 direct visitor industry jobs in the region.

"Despite the recent challenges facing the aviation industry, we've seen this past summer that both domestic and international travel through the Airport continue to rise above the national average," MAA Executive Director Paul J. Wiedefeld said. "BWI consistently provides our customers with the best value, a variety of destinations and a strong commitment to customer service."

The study also establishes that in addition to generating more than $2.9 billion of total personal income, BWI's overall activity produced $781 million in state and local taxes.

"The key to continued success is to build on the solid foundation outlined in this economic report," Wiedefeld added. "As our aggressive expansion program moves forward, we will continue working to make BWI the airport of choice for this entire region."

Martin Associates produced the study, "The Regional and Local Economic Impacts of the Baltimore/Washington International Airport and the State-wide General Aviation System." This Lancaster, Pa.-based aviation research firm has conducted similar economic impact studies for many of the nation's leading airports.

For more information on BWI Airport call 1-800-I-Fly-BWI or logon to http://www.bwiairport.com.