Albuquerque, NM – Mayor Richard J. Berry released the UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) economic impact report today, siting the Sunport and Double Eagle II Airport as responsible for 20,000 Jobs and $1.9 Billion in Economic Output.   The study found that in Fiscal Year 2012, the Albuquerque Airport System was responsible for roughly 2.6 percent of the jobs in NM and accounted for 2.4 percent of the gross state product.

“In addition to our airports being a great front porch for visitors, they are also vitally important to our economy," said Mayor Berry. "Our airports serve as more than just a location to land and depart aircraft, they also fuel economic activity at the local, regional, and state levels via their direct, indirect, and induced impacts."

Being the largest commercial airport in the state and accounting for 98% of the total enplanement of passengers, the Sunport is a vital component of the New Mexico economy and welcomed more that 5.6 million passengers while carrying more than 62,000 tons of cargo in FY12. Double Eagle II located on Albuquerque’s growing west side is approximately 220 general aviation aircraft with approximately 70 thousand annual airfield operations comprised of training, military, air ambulance, charter, private, and corporate flights.

“Airport infrastructure can be considered the physical platform of the entire state economy,” said Dr. Doleswar Bhandari, author of the study. “This creates an economic ripple effect by supporting local businesses across the board.”

The study shows the Albuquerque Airport System is a vital and significant contributor to the New Mexico economy. It is a key enabler of economic growth, promoting development and tourism by connecting different regions and providing market access for trade and investments. For example, using survey data it was determined that out-of-state visitors in FY12 were 57% of passengers. Of those visitors the highest spenders included tourists at $763 per visitor, business travelers accounting for $479 per visitor and those visiting friends and family spending $398 per visitor; total estimated spending for FY12 for out of state visitors; business travelers at $183 million, tourists $171 million, and visitors visiting friends $171 million.

The Albuquerque International Sunport is a world-renowned, full-service facility that welcomes nearly six million travelers per year.  We are committed to providing a clean, safe and passenger friendly facility that is capable of meeting the current and future travel needs of visitors and New Mexicans alike. The Albuquerque International Sunport is owned by the City of Albuquerque and operated by the Aviation Department. For Sunport information, please visit our web site at www.cabq.gov/airport or call (505) 244-77