The recent opening of the North Terminal at Louis Armstrong International Airport has brought national attention to aviation in the state of Louisiana, but the New Orleans facility is just one of the many airports that are vital to the state’s economy and its citizens — including the one at the Port of South Louisiana.
The Port’s Airport
Because of its strategic location at the mouth of the Mississippi River, Louisiana has always been an important import/export trade destination. While shipping remains a key component of the Louisiana economy, some residents may be unaware that the Port of South Louisiana features its own airport, the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport (KAPS) in Reserve. It’s a facility that is crucial to the success of the port and the local economy as a whole.
Bradley R. Brandt, director of aviation at the Office of Multimodal Commerce at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), said KAPS’ economic impact has dramatically improved over the last decade.
Brandt said the DOTD recently helped KAPS with a project to strengthen their runways. This effort will enable larger business aircraft to land at the airport on a more regular basis. A runway extension was also completed about seven years ago that allowed business and corporate aircrafts to operate more safely and efficiently. With the old runways, it was harder for aircrafts to take off.
In 2016, KAPS opened its first transient hangar, which features 6,363 square feet of space to accommodate a variety of large corporate and business aircraft.
The DOTD is currently working with KAPS on other projects, including taxi-way improvements that will make it easier for aircraft to turn on the runways.
In addition to this work, DOTD is collaborating with KAPS to secure funding for obstruction mitigation projects such as cutting down trees in the runway protection zone.
Executive Regional Airport plays an important role in the Louisiana economy. It allows for materials to be flown to the port quickly and eliminates the need to drive the parts to the port from Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans or Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport.
“Time is money,” Brandt said.
The airport also saves business executives travel time for the same reasons. Since the Port of South Louisiana is one of the largest tonnage ports in the world, businessmen from around the world visit the port frequently to oversee operations for their companies.
The port and airport also help the economic development of nearby towns. The more activity at the port, the more services will be needed in the surrounding areas. This leads to more jobs for local residents, which increases spending in the area and tax revenue for the state.
“If executives and businesses see that they can develop within 30 minutes of the airport facility, it really benefits the community,” Brandt said.
Aside from helping KAPS with funding, the DOTD’s Office of Multimodal Commerce also works to ensure the safety of the airport with quality oversight and annual safety inspections. They also conduct training sessions on safety, development and how to access state funding in a timely manner.
Louisiana’s Airports Benefit Everyone
Like KAPS, the state’s other airports all provide numerous benefits to Louisiana. Brandt cited a 2019 economic impact study update commissioned by the DOTD as proof that Louisiana’s airports bring revenue to the state and valuable services to its residents. For example, Chennault International Airport holds an annual airshow that features military and civilian acts, as well as aircraft displays and family entertainment. Air Med Services uses multiple airports throughout the state, including those in Hammond and Houma, to help patients in the midst of medical emergencies reach hospitals and receive their lifesaving care as quickly as possible.
The airports’ economic impacts have grown since 2011. In 2011, there were 58,853 full-time equivalent jobs at Louisiana airports. By 2019, that number rose to 84,394 (a total employment increase of 43%). The total payroll at airports climbed from $1.8 billion in 2011 to $2.6 billion in 2019 (a 49% increase). The total economic output, i.e. the quantity of goods and services generated by airports and associated businesses and activities, grew from $6.7 billion in 2011 to $9.3 billion in 2019 (a 38% increase).
The report, prepared by CDM Smith, states “What is most notable about these and other examples is that no matter how large or small the contributions, all airports contribute in some way to the quality of life of Louisiana residents.”
