Willow Run (YIP) generates more than 950 jobs and $123 million in total economic impact throughout Michigan, according to a study released by the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Wayne County Airport Authority.
Researchers from iLabs, the university’s Center for Innovation Research, estimated YIP’s economic impact by analyzing revenues, incomes and jobs.
The researchers also found that 54.4 million pounds of air cargo depart from YIP throughout a given year, which alone generates an economic impact of $44 million and supports more than 300 jobs. Passenger travel is limited at YIP, with just 2,527 enplanements in 2013, but general aviation and education contribute, respectively, $18.7 million and $3.1 million in economic impact.
“The cargo capacity available at Willow Run makes Michigan a more attractive place for business,” says Lee Redding, an associate professor of business economics, who worked with the researchers. “Willow Run Airport connects Michigan manufacturing companies to the world, making quick deliveries of parts and finished products more viable.”
YIP officials are preparing for the future, working on capital improvement projects aimed at ensuring the airport’s viability for years to come.
“It’s clear that Willow Run Airport provides substantial economic benefits to our region,” says Thomas Naughton, CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW). “Additionally, by capturing a considerable amount of the region’s cargo and general aviation air traffic, it helps Detroit Metropolitan Airport provide on-time flights.”
A 2014 study indicated that DTW has an annual economic impact of $10.2 billion.
