State study adds up economic impact of airports

A study by the Georgia Department of Transportation found that the state's 103 airports generate about $62.6 billion in economic output. About $58.2 billion of the total comes from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International, which is the world's busiest airport.

The state's other airports with commercial service generate about $3.2 billion in economic output, while general aviation airports generate about $1.2 billion. The figures are the total of economic activity at the airports and from visitors, multiplied to reflect spending by employees throughout the economy.

The state study, which will be published next month, also found that aviation in the state generates about $137 million in tax revenue, including state and county funds.