Business aviation operations directly result in 11,500 jobs in Canada, producing $650 million in taxes and $3.1 billion in economic impact, according to a new study from the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA). Conducted by InterVistas Consulting for CBAA, the study measures for the first time the size and economic impact of the industry in Canada, information the association says is critical for educating policy makers and the public about the importance of business aviation.
Industry data is limited in Canada, particularly when compared with data available in the U.S. and Europe, CBAA president and CEO Rudy Toering said. However, he added, “These are credible and defensible numbers. If anything, the report understates the size of business aviation.”
The study looks at the operation and management of business aircraft, measuring employment of aviation departments, FBO and maintenance providers, among others. “Downstream” businesses such as OEMs and suppliers are counted as indirect impact under this study.
When considering the indirect employment base, business aviation has a $5.4 billion economic impact, contributes $2.6 billion in GDP and generates 23,500 jobs, the study finds. Average business aviation wages are $69,000, above the national average of $47,000.
Approximately 1,900 business aircraft are based in Canada, and they account for 18 percent of all domestic aircraft movements.