Economic impact

Economic Impact

Toronto Pearson helps the economy soar. Pearson links Canada to 70% of the world’s economies, enabling Canadian businesses to reach global markets and stimulating tourism, trade, job creation and growth.

With around 30% of the country’s air passengers and 45% of its cargo passing through Pearson each year, the airport is a major economic engine that raises productivity and supports thousands of jobs across Canada.

Pearson is one of Toronto region’s largest employers

  • The airport and its 400+ tenants employ 52,000 people – an increase of 3,000 since 2016.
  • Airport employees earn 4.3% more than the Ontario average.
  • Career paths at Pearson include specialized roles, such as aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and aerospace engineering. We’re also a gateway to employment for thousands of entry-level workers. Discover more about careers at Pearson.

Pearson drives economic growth

  • The airport’s activities generate $20 billion in GDP annually.
  • Tenant organizations spent $6.7 billion on goods and services, with 70% of that staying in the GTA.
  • Visitors entering Canada through Pearson added $2.6 billion to Ontario's GDP and $1.8 billion to the rest of Canada, supporting over 38,000 jobs in Ontario.

Our impact reaches across Canada

  • The airport’s supply chains and activities support 130,000 jobs across the country.
  • For every $1 in GDP directly generated at the airport, $1.40 of additional activity is supported elsewhere in Canada.
  • Pearson's economic activities generate $7.5 billion in annual taxes – enough to pay for 134,000 public school teachers.

Pearson also anchors Canada’s largest industrial employment area, where half a million people work in manufacturing, transportation and innovation. Find out more about the Pearson Economic Zone at www.economicrunway.ca.

 

Source: Oxford Economics. Data from 2023.