In putting together my database of private jet registrations per state I wanted to see if correlations could be made between the number of jet aircraft and age of aircraft to a states economy.
Mississippi’s economy ranks 37th in the nation compared to Alabama’s 27th place. In 2022, Gross domestic product (GDP) was $138,739,700,000 for Mississippi. This increased by 8.98% from 2021. In 2022, Gross domestic product (GDP) was $277,817,500,000 for Alabama. This increased by 9.33% from 2021.
The unemployment rate for Mississippi in 2023 was 3.3% compared to Alabama’s 2.6% unemployment rate. So by some pretty basic measures one would argue that Alabama’s economy is markedly stronger than Missisippi.
Is the Average Age of State Registered Private Jets Indicative of the Strength of a State’s Economy?
The strength of a state’s economy is not correlated with the average age of private jets registered in that state. Alabama has a higher number of private jet registrations (185) compared to Mississippi (118), although Mississippi’s average jet aircraft age is more than 10 years newer than Alabama’s.
Alabama GDP
Mississippi GDP
Is Tax Policy The Reason For Newer Private Jets?
Further, Alabama has a lower excise jet fuel tax than Mississippi. The sales tax on aircraft in Mississippi is 7% compared to Alabama’s aircraft sales tax of 3% Alabama has LTD fly away rule for aircraft manufactured within the state but Mississippi does not have a Fly Away exemption.
| Industry | Mississippi | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Establishments in Retail Trade industry | 12205 | 19451 |
| Establishment in Professional, Scientific, And Technical Services | 11394 | 19503 |
| Establishment in Health Care And Social Assistance | 8689 | 20154 |
| Establishments in Accommodation And Food Services | 6781 | 11159 |
| Establishments: Construction | 6691 | 12236 |
| Establishments: Administrative, Support, Waste Management | 5996 | 9351 |
| Establishments: Finance and Insurance | 5866 | 9697 |
| Establishments in Wholesale Trade | 5436 | 10173 |
| Establishments: Other Services | 5280 | 9799 |
| Establishments in Transportation And Warehousing | 3895 | 5601 |
| Establishments in Manufacturing industry | 2452 | 6875 |
| Establishments in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing And Hunting | 1730 | 1556 |
| Establishments in Educational Services | 1700 | 3635 |
| Establishments: Information | 1596 | 4943 |
| Establishments in Arts, Entertainment, And Recreation | 899 | 1662 |
| TOTAL INDUSTRY | 80,610 | 145,795 |
