What's New Economic Impact of the Greenville Downtown Airport The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Aeronautics, recently completed an economic impact study for all of the State's airports. The results for the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) were most impressive: Total Employment - 453 jobs Total Payroll - $13.4 million Total Economic Impact = $35.2 million The report notes that GMU is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina with nearly 80,000 take-offs and landings annually and more than 245 based aircraft. This modern, attractive facility offers a full-range of aviation services that support the Upstate's thriving business environment. Also of note, GMU's aircraft traffic count remained strong in 2006 despite rising fuel prices. Recent Improvements at GMU The Greenville Airport Commission has completed a series of major improvements to the Greenville Downtown Airport. Over the past five years, the following safety improvements have been made to the airport: - Installed MALSF approach lights for Runway 1. - Overlayed and grooved Runway 1-19. - Installed distance-to-go signs on Runway 1-19. - Installed 4-box PAPI systems at both ends of Runway 1-19. - Overlayed Taxiway A and connecting taxiways. - Installed an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) at the departure end of Runway 1. - Created designated helicopter landing areas and marked taxi lanes on the south aircraft apron. - Doubled the width of all hold lines to make them more visible, thereby improving safety. - Installed airport security fencing. - Overlayed northwest aircraft parking apron.