Study: Boeing’s Alabama economic impact reaches $2.7 billion

June 09, 2022

Words by Dawn Azok

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HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Boeing contributes more than $2.7 billion each year to Alabama’s economy, along with 9,402 jobs in its sprawling operations and support network, according to a new study issued this week.

The global space and defense manufacturer, which is marking its 60^th year in the state, conducts a wide range of business activities in the Huntsville region, from protecting the U.S. and its allies with innovative weapons systems to charting new chapters of human space exploration.

Boeing’s journey in Alabama began with the development of the Saturn V rocket, the launch vehicle that put the legendary Apollo missions on the moon. Today, the company plays a key role in developing NASA’s powerful Space Launch System rocket, which will return astronauts to the moon and lay the groundwork for future trips beyond Earth’s orbit.

With more than 3,000 employees in Alabama, Boeing’s operations span a variety of research, design and manufacturing activities.

Aerospace giant Boeing operates a Research & Technology Center in Huntsville as part of its sprawling network of activities in Alabama. (Image: Boeing)

“Boeing built the foundation of aerospace in Alabama and continues as a pillar of that industry today, consistently turning out pioneering technology that is advancing its products and services across the world and in new frontiers of space,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“Communities across the state, and in particular the Huntsville area, have been transformed by the company’s vision and commitment, strengthened by the talented and dedicated local workforce.”

Boeing worked with the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration to complete the economic impact study.

Among the highlights:

In 2021, Boeing’s economic output reached $2.731 billion, which includes $663.2 million in earnings for 9,402 direct and indirect jobs.
That year, earnings generated $61.5 million in tax revenue, including $35 million in state taxes and $26.5 million in local taxes.
The company also makes significant contributions to community and workforce development in Alabama, including $2.9 million in 2021.

Boeing and the state of Alabama are longtime partners in innovation, growth and prosperity, said Cindy Gruensfelder, vice president and general manager for Boeing Missile and Weapon Systems and Huntsville site senior executive.

“Today, more than 3,000 Boeing Alabama employees, and thousands more in supplier companies across the state, help create the world’s most advanced defense and aerospace products,” she said.

“Looking forward, we are committed to the continued success of our customers, the economic health of the state and contributing to the overall quality of life in the communities where we live and work.”

To mark its 60^th anniversary in the state, Boeing awarded two $60,000 grants to the Boys and Girls Club’s STEM programs and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program.

The company is a model for community support, including many education and workforce programs over the past 60 years, said Lucia Cape, the chamber’s senior vice president of economic development.

“Today we are especially grateful to Boeing for their support of our pilot program with Hiring Our Heroes that will help enlisted service members transition into manufacturing careers in the Huntsville area,” she said. “We believe this will grow into a workforce solution for the whole region.”

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