Airports bring business and generate jobs, but what's the best way to harness that economic power?

As the Lehigh Valley International Airport in Hanover Township continues to try and market itself as a viable venue for business travelers and tout the benefits of its strategic location, members of the economic development committee at the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority recently shared details of a study by Wilbur Smith Associates that showed the economic impact of the LVIA on the region.

At its June 26 board meeting, officials released a report that showed LVIA generates 6,086 total jobs, creates $137.2 million in visitor output, $155.3 million in on-airport business, and a total payroll of $190.6 million.

Meanwhile, Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport generates 80 jobs and provides a total payroll of $2.9 million. Braden Airpark in Forks Township generates 50 jobs and provides a total payroll of $1.4 million. The authority oversees and manages both airports.