Aviation plans & studies
WSDOT Aviation has been involved in various studies to help better understand the benefits of the Washington state aviation system.
Aviation Economic Impact Study
WSDOT Aviation, with the assistance of consulting firm Kimley-Horn, completed a statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study for the Washington Aviation System in 2020. The study revealed the state’s 134 public-use airport system contributes 407,042 jobs, $26.8 billion in labor income, and $107 billion in total economic impact (business revenues) to our state’s economy and communities.
Airports provide an essential link to the nation's airspace, commerce, and emergency services and are an important part of Washington state's transportation system and economy. Washington has 134 public airports in 37 of its 39 counties. Each airport fulfills a particular role in supporting community, economic, and transportation needs.
WSDOT Aviation Division, with the support of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted the aviation economic impact study to:
- Measure the economic impacts of each public-use airport in Washington.
- Assess the economic value that airports create for communities.
- Show airports and the state aviation system contribute to the state's economy and economic competitiveness.
- The study also developed an Airport Economic Mapping Tool.
For the full report, please email christina.crea@wsdot.wa.gov
Watch a how-to video of the new Washington State Aviation Economic Mapping Application
Airport Investment Study and Airport Investment Study Solutions
The Airport Investment Study found that the state’s 134 public-use airports will need $3.6 billion in projects during the next 20 years. WSDOT’s Airport Aid Program provides an average of $1.1 million in state airport grants per year. During the 20-year study period, the state grant program is forecasted to average $1.4 million per year. WSDOT estimates an average of $12 million per year is needed to meet the state’s portion of the overall $3.6 billion in project needs. The study concluded in June of 2015.
Final Report: Airport Investment Study
For the full report, please email christina.crea@wsdot.wa.gov
Final Report: Airport Investment Study Solutions
For the full report, please email christina.crea@wsdot.wa.gov
Electric Aircraft Feasibility Study
The state legislature tasked WSDOT Aviation Division to form the Electric Aircraft Working Group (EAWG) in 2018 to explore electric aircraft service across the state.
WSDOT Electric Aircraft Feasibility Study 2018 (PDF 14.5MB)
Washington Electric Airport Feasibility Study
A University of Washington study developed methods to estimate plausible future energy and power demands for electric aircraft operations at regional airports to determine whether the electric grid near two regional airports — Paine Field and Grant County International Airport — have the capacity to serve the potential energy (MWh) and peak power (MW) needs of electric aircraft operations over the next one to two decades.
Washington Electric Airport Feasibility Study 2022 (PDF 2.4MB)
Washington Statewide Aviation Sustainability Plan
The WSDOT Statewide Aviation Sustainability Plan is a comprehensive initiative aimed at making Washington’s aviation sector more environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible. Developed in collaboration with airports across the state, the plan provides a structured approach for integrating sustainability into airport operations. It focuses on key areas such as reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring long-term financial stability.
The plan outlines practical steps for airports of all sizes to develop and implement sustainability strategies. These include adopting clean energy solutions, reducing emissions, conserving natural resources, and improving operational efficiency. By offering tailored guidance, funding opportunities, and best practices, WSDOT supports airports in aligning with state and federal sustainability goals. Ultimately, this effort aims to create a more resilient and sustainable aviation system that benefits travelers, businesses, and communities across Washington.
Slow down – lives are on the line.
Excessive speed was a top cause of work zone collisions in 2024.
Phone down, eyes up.
Work zones need our undivided attention.
It's in EVERYONE’S best interest.
96% of people hurt in work zones are drivers, their passengers or passing pedestrians, not just our road crews.