New terminal in Myrtle Beach adds space, amenities

Oct. 15, 2009

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Oct. 15--The new, modern Myrtle Beach general aviation terminal for private pilots and private charters is open.

This week, the terminal began operating behind The Market Common on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Construction on the project started in early 2008.

Crews will tear down the old terminal, which will make way for 55 parking spots, said Lauren Morris, spokeswoman for the Horry County Department of Airports.

Workers will begin removing asbestos from the old facility today, and it will take about three weeks to demolish, she said.

"The old facility really was a building that was left over from when the Air Force was here. It was very old, really in need of significant repairs and it may have even been cost-prohibitive to repair it," Morris said. "It was serviceable, but it wasn't efficient."

The new terminal, about 25 yards away from the old facility, includes modernized conference facilities, lounge rooms and quiet rooms, she said.

"It's really designed to better service the private aviation community," Morris said.

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the terminal will take place in mid-December.

The Horry County Department of Airports estimates 45,000 to 50,000 people fly through the terminal each year for business and pleasure.