Duplin County Airport contributes more than $146.3M to the state’s economy

KENANSVILLE — Since the last biennial economic impact study of airports, Duplin County Airport has expanded its footprint and more than doubled its economic impact, contributing an impressive $146,370,000 economic output to North Carolina’s economy.

“We are excited about all the growth and development here at the airport. The airport is a real asset to the county and the more we can improve it, the more impact the airport will have on the community,” said Joshua Raynor, Duplin County Airport director.

When asked about the factors contributing to this significant growth, Raynor explained that he worked to analyze which businesses utilize the airport and made a concerted effort to involve them in the report. Notably, there has been an increase in corporate traffic using the airport since the last report.

In 2024, the airport sold 29,000 gallons of aviation gasoline and 220,238 gallons of jet-A fuel, resulting in $1,024,669 in fuel tax revenues. According to Raynor, currently, the airport has 42 aircraft based at its facility, generating $323,000 in local tax revenues.

These tax revenues help fund infrastructure improvements aimed at attracting job-creating companies. According to the NCDOT’s 2025 economic impact study, Duplin County Airport supports 455 jobs that generate $34,270,000 in personal income and return $6,308,000 in state and local tax revenues.

The airport is currently engaged in several infrastructure projects, including road construction and the development of a shell building at the AirPark. Also, the Airpark will be home to the NC Forestry Service Region One Headquarters, which is slated to break ground this year.

Raynor noted that they plan to start construction on a new taxiway around March, enhancing runway functionality and allowing for quicker exits off the runway. Additionally, in April, construction will begin on a new hangar and rehabilitation of an existing hangar.

“Really want to emphasize the rehab at no cost to the county and what a huge deal that is,” said Raynor. Other upcoming projects include replacing and upgrading the fuel farm this summer for increased safety and capacity and will also start on an airport maintenance facility.