Long Beach Airport Complex Generates $9 Billion in Economic Impact, Supports 42,000 Jobs

Long Beach Airport Complex Generates $9 Billion in Economic Impact, Supports 42,000 Jobs

Release Date: 2024-10-21

Long Beach, CA - Highlighting the critical role of Long Beach Airport (LGB), a study released today shows that the LGB Aviation Complex is responsible for 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."

To recognize the important role LGB plays in the region's vitality, the study, which was conducted by Unison Consulting, measured the total economic impact of both the Airport and the broader Complex, which includes all business entities within a defined area north of Interstate 405 and south of Carson Street, bordered by Clark Avenue and Cherry Avenue. Most, but not all, of the property is owned by the City of Long Beach.

Based on data collected in 2023, 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. In total, LGB is responsible for $2.1 billion in economic output across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. When adding in the businesses clustered around Long Beach Airport, the Airport Complex supports 41,721 jobs, $2.7 billion in labor income and $9 billion in total economic output. These figures encompass direct activities as well as indirect effects from businesses within the supply chain.

"Long Beach Airport, as well as the surrounding Complex, is showing once again its tremendous local economic impact," said 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," said 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 are used to fund Long Beach Airport. The economic activities generated by the Airport contribute significantly to tax revenues, which in turn fund local government services and public infrastructure.

The study also points to the positive impact of visitor spending, which is responsible for 54% of LGB's total output. Visitors to Southern California, arriving through the Airport, spend an average of $640 per person, generate more than 6,400 jobs and contribute $887 million in economic output through spending on accommodations, dining and local attractions.

"The LGB Aviation Complex is a dynamic commercial hub, and this report underscores the importance of it as a catalyst for innovation and opportunity for Long Beach and surrounding communities," 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 Long Beach Airport Aviation Complex houses 814 businesses, providing employment to more than 14,000 people. The Complex continues to attract new businesses, particularly due to the ongoing development of Douglas Park and the Long Beach Exchange. These developments have further solidified the Airport area as a key commercial and industrial hub, especially as an epicenter for aviation and aerospace industries.

Additionally, the Airport's recent capital improvement projects have added thousands of jobs and billions in output while the Airport continues to set new all-time commercial passenger records, expecting its busiest fiscal year on record with a projected 4.1 million passengers from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024.

For more information or to read the full report by Unison Consulting, an aviation consultancy firm specializing in airport finance and economics, visit www.lgb.org/economicimpact.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about Long Beach Airport is available at lgb.org and on Facebook, Instagram and X @LGBAirport.