McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is located just 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville and is the premier air facility in East Tennessee. Each day, the airport handles commercial airline service, air cargo operations, military and general aviation. The airport is home to one fixed base operator (FBO), Signature Flight Support. In addition to providing fuel and services to commercial carriers, the FBO also accommodates the general aviation industry which includes corporate aviation, charter flights, flight schools and people who fly as a hobby.

The direct and indirect economic impact of McGhee Tyson Airport, including payroll, local spending, transportation cost savings, capital spending and induced benefits is estimated at $1 billion annually. The jobs formed by the aviation industry are perhaps the most important direct benefit that McGhee Tyson Airport offers East Tennessee.

Approximately 2,700 people are now employed at McGhee Tyson Airport.