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Survey looks to measure aviation's impact
on Idaho business

There is no doubt that aviation — rural and urban airports and air transportation in general — is a critical component of Idaho's economic health. Commercial service and general aviation airports (there are 75 airports in the state system) provide a critical economic link, and air transportation is an important facilitator of general economic growth and income levels. Whether traveling to meet with vendors or clients, shipping time-sensitive products, or transporting customers, air transportation is vital to doing business.

To better understand how and to what extent Idaho’s businesses rely on aviation, ITD's Division of Aeronautics is conducting the Idaho Business Survey between late August and mid-October. Consider:

- Aviation transports high-value goods to markets around the world and provides an essential link in just-in-time production and distribution management. The Boeing World Air Caro Forecast 2018-2037 estimates that air cargo represents less than 1% of global trade by tonnage, yet transports more than $6 trillion worth of goods every year, representing more than 35% of global trade by value.

- Many service and high-tech industries rely on adequate and frequent air transportation to conduct interpersonal communications and provide ongoing product support. This applies both to the movement of sales and support personnel, as well as goods and parts. The connectivity offered by air transport enhances the productivity of these and many other industries.

- Air transportation attracts investment and new businesses to communities. Company investment and location decisions are strongly affected by the availability of transportation links, especially air transport connectivity. Countries and regions with higher levels of air service generally attract new businesses and encourage existing businesses to expand their operations.

The information respondents provide will help ITD Aeronautics and airports better serve the needs of business users and help commerce thrive. If you operate a business in Idaho and would like to participate, please visit the survey site.

The Idaho Business Survey is being conducted in conjunction with the ongoing 2020 Idaho Airport System Plan (2020 IASP) and Airport Economic Impact Analysis (AEIA) updates. Check here to learn more about both of these important studies and read the latest findings.