NAICS 488111 Quarterly Industry Report
Air Traffic Control
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 488111Sector: 48Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry report for NAICS 488111 draws on aviation infrastructure data from the U.S. Census Bureau[5], employment statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6], and small business benchmarks from the Small Business Administration[7]. Fair Market Value compiles this NAICS 488111 profile to support valuation professionals assessing contract ATC companies and aviation support service providers. Our research team updates this content quarterly to reflect FAA program developments and technology transitions.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the air traffic control industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Air Traffic Control (NAICS 488111) encompasses establishments providing air traffic control services that guide aircraft through controlled airspace, manage takeoff and landing sequences, and maintain safe separation between flights. The U.S. Census Bureau[5] classifies both government-operated and contract air traffic control facilities under this code, covering tower operations at airports, terminal radar approach control facilities, and en-route air traffic control centers.
The Federal Aviation Administration operates the national air traffic control system through a network of airport towers, approach control facilities, and 20 en-route centers that manage high-altitude airspace. Contract tower programs at smaller airports extend ATC coverage to facilities that would not otherwise receive federal staffing. Private companies providing contract tower services represent the primary small business segment within this classification. Revenue for contract operators comes from FAA program contracts, airport authority agreements, and military installation ATC service.
Workforce requirements are highly specialized. Air traffic controllers complete extensive training programs and must maintain FAA certification with ongoing proficiency checks. Staffing levels must cover 24-hour operations at busy facilities, with fatigue management and scheduling rules adding complexity to labor planning. Technology investments in radar systems, communications equipment, and automated decision support tools constitute major capital expenditure categories. The ongoing transition to NextGen satellite-based air traffic management is reshaping equipment requirements and operational procedures across the system.
What's Included in This Industry
- Airport traffic control tower operations
- Terminal radar approach control facility services
- En-route air traffic control center operations
- Contract air traffic control at smaller airports
- Flight data processing and coordination services
- Airspace management and flow control operations
- Weather observation and pilot advisory services at control towers
- Military air traffic control facility operations
- NextGen satellite-based air traffic management systems
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Support Activities for Transportation | 488 |
| Industry Group | Support Activities for Air Transportation | 4881 |
| NAICS Industry | Airport Operations | 48811 |
| National Industry | Air Traffic Control | 488111 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 488119 | Other Airport Operations | Other airport operations providing runway maintenance, terminal management, and ground services, while 488111 focuses specifically on the air traffic control function |
| 488190 | Other Support Activities for Air Transportation | Other support activities for air transportation including aircraft maintenance and ground handling, distinct from the airspace management and flight guidance services of 488111 |
| 481111 | Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation | Scheduled passenger air transportation operating the flights that air traffic control services guide through controlled airspace and landing sequences |
| 481112 | Scheduled Freight Air Transportation | Scheduled freight air transportation relying on ATC services for safe cargo flight operations in the same controlled airspace as passenger carriers |
| 481211 | Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation | Nonscheduled charter passenger air transportation requiring ATC clearance and guidance for each flight operated under visual or instrument flight rules |
| 488210 | Support Activities for Rail Transportation | Support activities for rail transportation providing dispatching and signaling functions analogous to the airspace management role of air traffic control |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 14.8% | 30 |
| 2 | Florida | 14.8% | 30 |
| 3 | New York | 4.4% | 9 |
| 4 | Wisconsin | 4.4% | 9 |
| 5 | California | 4.4% | 9 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 3.9% | 8 |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 3.9% | 8 |
| 8 | North Carolina | 3.9% | 8 |
| 9 | Kansas | 3.9% | 8 |
| 10 | Illinois | 3.5% | 7 |
% Of Establishments
0%
15%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
16
Total SBA Loans
$408K
Total Loan Volume
$26K
Average Loan Size
9 yrs
Average Loan Term
11.13%
Average Interest Rate
64
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The Small Business Administration[7] sets the size standard for NAICS 488111 at $40 million in average annual receipts, measured over the preceding five completed fiscal years. Contract air traffic control companies serving smaller airports and military installations may qualify as small businesses under this threshold. Eligible firms can access SBA 7(a) loans[8] for ATC equipment, communications technology, and operational systems. The SBA 504 loan program[9] supports control tower facility construction and radar installation infrastructure. Federal contracting through the FAA Contract Tower Program provides the primary revenue opportunity for private ATC providers.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sound Credit Union | 8 | $240K | $30K |
| 2 | Northeast Bank | 8 | $168K | $21K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses fall under NAICS 488111?
This code covers organizations providing air traffic control services at airports and in controlled airspace. While the FAA operates most ATC facilities directly, private companies provide contract tower services at over 250 smaller airports through the FAA Contract Tower Program. The U.S. Census Bureau[5] classifies both government and private ATC operations under this code.
How is air traffic control structured differently from other airport services?
Air traffic control under 488111 specifically manages aircraft movement through airspace and on active runways. Other airport operations under 488119 handle terminal buildings, parking, ground maintenance, and passenger facilities. Support activities under 488190 cover aircraft servicing, fueling, and maintenance. The FAA certifies and regulates ATC operations under separate standards from general airport management.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 488111?
The Small Business Administration sets the size standard at $40 million in average annual receipts over five years. Contract ATC providers serving smaller airports and military installations typically qualify as small businesses. Details are in the SBA size standards table[10].
What NAICS codes are closely related to air traffic control?
Related codes include 488119 for other airport operations, 488190 for other air transportation support, 481111 for scheduled passenger airlines, and 481112 for scheduled freight carriers. ATC services interface with all aviation operations but occupy a distinct regulatory and operational category focused exclusively on airspace and flight path management.
What industries are connected to ATC operations?
Connected industries include airlines and charter operators that depend on ATC for safe flight operations, radar and communications equipment manufacturers, aviation technology firms developing NextGen systems, and engineering companies designing ATC facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6], aviation support employment includes specialized roles in air traffic management and flight safety.
What activities are included in NAICS 488111?
Included activities cover operating airport control towers, terminal radar approach facilities, en-route centers, flight data processing, airspace flow management, weather observation at ATC facilities, and military air traffic control operations. The U.S. Census Bureau[5] encompasses all services directly involved in guiding aircraft through controlled airspace.
Can contract ATC companies get SBA loans?
Contract ATC providers under the $40 million revenue threshold can access SBA programs for equipment and facility needs. The 7(a) program[8] supports radar equipment, communications systems, and working capital for FAA contract operations. Industry 504 program[9] finances control tower facilities and technical equipment buildings.
Where are air traffic control operations concentrated?
ATC facilities operate at airports and radar sites nationwide, with the busiest operations at major hub airports including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, and Los Angeles. Twenty en-route centers manage high-altitude airspace across geographic sectors covering the entire country. Contract tower operations concentrate at smaller regional and general aviation airports in suburban and rural areas where FAA direct staffing is not provided.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [7]Small Business Administration sba.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]SBA 504 loan program sba.gov
- [10]SBA size standards table sba.gov
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