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Study reveals $9 billion impact from Long Beach airport complex

Airports

Boeing 777X | The Boeing Company

By Sky Industry News

Oct 21, 2024

A recent study highlights the significant economic impact of Long Beach Airport (LGB) and its surrounding complex. The LGB Aviation Complex is credited with generating $9 billion in total economic output and supporting nearly 42,000 jobs across the region.

"Long Beach Airport and the many surrounding businesses create thousands of jobs and bring in billions of dollars that have a significant impact on our city’s economic vitality," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This report underscores how LGB—celebrating a century of service this year—has long been a critical cornerstone of our economy."

The study, conducted by Unison Consulting, measured the economic impact of both the airport and the broader complex. This area includes all business entities within a defined zone north of Interstate 405 and south of Carson Street, bordered by Clark Avenue and Cherry Avenue. Most properties are owned by the City of Long Beach.

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Data from 2023 indicates that LGB directly contributed to the regional economy by supporting 10,753 jobs, including 8,042 in Long Beach alone, generating $589 million in labor income. Overall, LGB is responsible for $2.1 billion in economic output across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. Including businesses around Long Beach Airport, the complex supports 41,721 jobs, $2.7 billion in labor income, and $9 billion in total economic output.

“Long Beach Airport as well as the surrounding Complex is showing once again its tremendous local economic impact,” stated Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw. “From job creation to tourism, this report reflects their continued commitment to innovation and supporting our local economy.”

“This report highlights Long Beach Airport as a champion of local economic growth,” noted Fifth District Councilwoman Megan Kerr. “The continued development of the Airport Complex means we are attracting more businesses and creating more opportunities for success.”

No local taxpayer dollars fund Long Beach Airport; instead, its activities contribute significantly to tax revenues that support local government services and public infrastructure.

Visitor spending accounts for 54% of LGB’s total output. Visitors arriving through the airport spend an average of $640 per person, generate over 6,400 jobs and contribute $887 million through spending on accommodations, dining and attractions.

“The LGB Aviation Complex is a dynamic commercial hub,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “I’m delighted that Long Beach Airport continues to be known not only for convenient air travel but also for its major role in economically supporting our community.”

The complex houses 814 businesses providing employment to over 14,000 people. It continues to attract new enterprises due to developments like Douglas Park and Long Beach Exchange.

Recent capital improvement projects at LGB have added thousands of jobs while setting new records for passenger numbers with an expected 4.1 million passengers from October 1st last year through September this year.

For further details or access to Unison Consulting's full report visit www.lgb.org/economicimpact.