New study shows Rochester International Airport contributes $190 million annually to local economy

State of MN Econ Study

Rochester, MN (February 26, 2020) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently released the Minnesota Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study. The study shows that public airports like Rochester International Airport (RST) are significant contributors to statewide and local economies.

“We are excited to share the study results demonstrating Rochester International Airport’s substantial economic benefits to our region,” said John Reed, executive director. “RST is a strong economic cornerstone allowing the movement of people and commerce in and out of our community.”

Other findings of the study show RST has the following economic contributions:

  • Generates $190 million in annual economic activity
  • Supports more than 1,600 jobs and more than $63 million in annual payroll
  • Generates $127 million in annual spending and $9.2 million in state and local tax revenue
  • Supports air ambulances essential to medical services
  • Provides essential infrastructure needed for air cargo and connecting regional companies to national and international markets or suppliers
  • Provides economic efficiencies that bring competitive advantages that help businesses create jobs that support the regional economy

The study was commissioned by MnDOT in 2019 to measure the annual economic impact provided by 126 of Minnesota’s 133 public airports, most of them located in Greater Minnesota. The 2019 MnDOT study also includes data from two separate Metropolitan Airports Commission studies, which researched seven public airports located in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Together, the 133 airports make up Minnesota’s public airport system.

To learn more about the Minnesota Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study, download fact sheets for any of the 126 airports studied including Rochester International Airport, or get other information about Minnesota public airports, visit mndot.gov/airport-economic-study.

Rochester International Airport

Rochester International Airport (RST) is owned by the City of Rochester and operated by the Rochester Airport Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mayo Clinic. The Rochester International Airport is served daily by United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which collectively offer 13 flights each day to Atlanta, Chicago, and Minneapolis. RST accommodates over 370,000 passengers annually, providing air service to Southeast MN and border regions of Iowa and Wisconsin. Stay connected to RST at FlyRST.com and on Facebook /RochesterAirport and Twitter @flyrst.

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Rochester International Airport Media contact:

Tiana O’Connor

[email protected]

507-282-2328 ext. 6

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In 2019, more than 100 local businesses made a commitment to #FlyLocal resulting in a record number of passengers flying through our airport on their choice of 13 daily 🛫 to Denver, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Chicago on Delta, American, and United Airlines. It's time for a comeback. Mayo Clinic and the City of Rochester, MN want you to know their commitment remains. Let’s stand together and demonstrate to airlines that our community is on the move. Improved access to and from #RochMN is critical to our future success.Will you join us and ⬇☝ Check RST first ✌ Adopt a #FlyLocal policy Small changes create significant opportunity. Learn more at hubs.li/Q02tD_S00 #☑fiRST #FlyLocal #FlyRST #RochesterMN ... See MoreSee Less
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RST Cares Award 🏆 recognizes our outstanding employees. This month's recipient is Jen Crace from Tailwind Hospitality, Inc."Jennifer was very helpful with my purchase of earbuds. I initially purchased the incorrect type for my phone. She was able to help me quickly exchange the earbuds for the correct type. She was truly pleasant to speak with and my interaction with her was a great experience!"Thank you, Jen, for making every moment matter. 🌟 We're lucky to have you on Team RST!#FlyLocal #RSTCARES #FlyRST #TailwindHospitality ... See MoreSee Less
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