Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU) is once again embarking on a journey of expansion, unveiling a visionary project on its northwest frontiers.
DCU Airport Director Adam Fox said the construction of a concrete taxiway and access road, branching off from the parallel taxiway of Runway 18/36, signifies the inaugural phase of the airport's grand cargo ramp endeavor — an ambitious venture encompassing an impressive 188,000 square feet of ramp space. The overarching objective is to accommodate the colossal presence of Boeing-737s and larger military aircraft, including the C-130.
Fox highlights the crucial role Pryor Field plays in managing a substantial volume of on-demand freight for partners spanning North Alabama and Tennessee. The northwest development is envisioned not only to elevate freight operations but also to carve out spaces tailored for businesses to construct facilities aligning with their unique needs.
Under the stewardship of the Pryor Field Airport Authority, four companies have already expressed their intentions through Letters of Intent to build on the promising northwest side. Concurrently, plans have been greenlit for a 12,000-square-foot hangar facility, complete with classroom space, positioned north of the airport's bustling terminal building.
The strategic location of Pryor Field in the burgeoning aviation landscape near Huntsville becomes apparent as Fox references the completion of an Airport Master Plan in collaboration with Goodwyn Mills Cawood, the airport's aviation planning and engineering partners. This plan lays the foundation for the realization of key projects.
Wiregrass Construction currently orchestrates the ballet of concrete, executing the taxiway and access road project with an estimated cost of $2.6 million. The project secured essential funding, with $1,315,555 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), $73,086 from ALDOT Aeronautics, and a $1,239,107.86 bank bond to match the grants from the Authority.
Acknowledging the significance of timely infrastructure development in seizing expansion opportunities, Fox expresses gratitude for the unwavering support from the Board.
Faith Hooper, the recently appointed first female chair of the Airport Authority, envisions Pryor Field as a catalyst for growth and economic development in the state of Alabama. This vision aligns seamlessly with the Authority's approval of a 25-year lease with Acquisition Integration (AI), a Huntsville-based entity set to invest nearly $30 million in constructing a colossal 170,000 square feet of hangar and office space, generating approximately 250 jobs.
As Fox sheds light on the ongoing project, he shares, "We're a few weeks into the project as of now, with a little over 100 days left until completion. This is phase one of what will become our cargo ramp, and the goal is to attract businesses to build adjacent to it. We already have numerous Letters of Intent from companies planning to construct hangar facilities once phase one is complete."
Pryor Field, known for its role as a hub for on-demand cargo flights, welcomes a variety of aircraft, including Boeing 737s, Douglas DC9s, MD83s, and more. The aim is to segregate these operations from the existing ramp, ensuring the safe accommodation of diverse customer needs. The Northwest Cargo Ramp, upon completion, will sprawl over 180,000 square feet of concrete, with future plans envisioning infrastructure enhancements like cross docks and multiple hangar facilities adjacent to the cargo ramp.
"As of now, we can't disclose much detail about the companies we're in talks with. However, some Letters of Intent indicate requests for real estate exceeding 20,000 square feet, including space for parking lots and other amenities for their operations," notes Fox.
In response to inquiries about how the expansion will fortify the airport's capacity for on-demand freight and support regional businesses, Fox elaborates, "The northwest development is a prime example of how the Authority is expanding Pryor Field to capture growth opportunities for North Alabama. Our recently completed Master Plan designated over 100 acres for development, allowing the Airport Authority to streamline long-term ground leases. This not only facilitates growth but also creates new partnerships and revenue streams for the airport."
He highlights the alignment of the hangar facility with the Authority's plan to provide long-term spaces for facilities meeting business needs. This facility is poised to accommodate corporate aircraft and house a new flight school, Go Vertical Aviation. Fox underscores the significance of the aviation industry's demand for pilots and mechanics, positioning the collaboration as a step towards creating awareness and career opportunities in the industry.
"Our Master Plan targets three key areas for future growth: the south general aviation ramp, northwest property, and southeast property. Presently, we're witnessing growth in all three areas," adds Fox.
Underscoring the vital role of partnerships, Fox emphasizes that executing projects necessitates support from the FAA, the state of Alabama, entities invested in the airport, and potential future partners. Despite funding concerns, the Airport Authority approved a bank bond to cover the shortfall in phase one of the project, recognizing the imperative of commencing the northwest development to seize growth opportunities.
Discussing the recent partnership with AI, Fox remarks, "We believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial, with AI's MRO operation supporting both our armed forces and civilian customers. Although we're yet to determine the entire economic impact, AI's four-phased plan aims to create 250 jobs in North Alabama."
"As we create aviation-related jobs within the airport, we foresee a direct impact on potential jobs outside the fence. The aviation industry, in our view, is the industry connecting all others. Through on-demand cargo operations, we currently support over a dozen companies in North Alabama and Tennessee. As we expand, we hope to build more relationships and increase these operations at Pryor Field."
Fox emphasizes the criticality of workforce development, stating, "Having an adequate and competent workforce is crucial to any industry's success. We're working with local high schools to introduce the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) STEM Curriculum. Additionally, we're partnering with Calhoun Community College to train the next generation of Airframe and Powerplant Technicians."
