Most people take flying over the holidays and summer vacation for granted. It’s just a means to get us to our loved ones and our favorite destinations, right? According to Transport Security Administration (TSA) statistics, an average of 2 million passengers fly daily, increasing to nearly 3 million during peak travel days. The role of aviation in our daily lives is impactful and undeniable. Especially, as we are also dependent on air transportation for many of our food items and other essentials. FedEx, the world’s largest parcel and freight transportation company, owns 698 aircraft that serve over 650 airports in more than 220 countries and territories.
At Monmouth Executive Airport, we’ve experienced the changing role of aviation firsthand. The original owner started the airport in Wall Township, New Jersey, in 1938. Today, under the current owners, it’s a modern aviation center serving private pilots, passengers, and Part 135 operators.
Why Aviation Is Important to Modern Communities
The primary role of aviation is to transport people and goods. It allows modern communities to travel vast distances quickly and enjoy goods that are immediately available for consumption. The industry also supports millions of jobs, both directly and indirectly, thereby contributing to national and local economies.
There are, however, other instances in which the aviation industry serves communities. Aircraft are used for firefighting and as air ambulances. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies utilize them for surveillance, search and rescue, and to patrol large areas. Farmers employ aircraft for crop dusting to promote food security, and we have instant access to breaking news via aerial broadcasting with helicopters.
Aviation Economics and Regional Development
Does the presence of the aviation industry promote regional development, or does development attract aviation-related businesses? It can be argued that both have an impact. In September 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a report titled “The Economic Impact of U.S. Civil Aviation,” based on statistics from the year 2022.
The report states that civil aviation provides increased connectivity and accessibility that attracts business and tourism to a region. It also states that aviation economic output is associated with population and overall economic activity. Let’s look at a few statistics highlighting the economic impact of civil aviation in New Jersey in 2022.
Output: $37,040 million
Value added: $21,542 million
Jobs: 173,595
Benefits of Airports for Local Infrastructure
The existence of an airport necessitates the upgrading of surrounding road networks, traffic management systems, and public transit links where relevant. It also leads to the modernization of utilities, including power, water, sewage, and telecommunications infrastructure, all of which also benefit the larger community.
In June 2022, the New Jersey Department of Transportation published a comprehensive study of New Jersey’s airport system. Its purpose was to evaluate the system to accommodate future demand and develop a plan to improve facilities over a 20-year period. The report shows that over 99 percent of New Jersey’s population lives within a 30-minute drive of an airport, making it likely that the majority of people benefit from improved local infrastructure.
Aviation Activity Supporting Growth in New Jersey
Monmouth Jet Center has always been committed to supporting growth in New Jersey through our aviation activities. We are one of the 24 privately owned airports mentioned in the NJ airport system study, and are proud to note that our airport is deemed an Advanced Service airport. For those that are unfamiliar, they are general aviation airports that serve as relievers for larger, more congested Scheduled Service airports, by providing comparable general aviation facilities and services typically found at a scheduled service airport. The aviation landscape is changing rapidly with the development of new types of aircraft, including electric air taxis. Monmouth Jet Center is ready to adapt to the future needs of our industry, community, and region.
Monmouth Executive Airport is a privately owned, public-use airport with the longest private runway in the country, measuring over 7300 feet. We have been part of the Wall Township community for over eighty years and continue to enhance the role of aviation in our region. Contact Monmouth Jet Center to learn more about our airport, or visit us at https://monmouthjetcenter.com/