Airport business picks up

Three firms are negotiating to expand or to locate at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field

Web posted March 18, 2000

 Have a thought? Go to the @ugusta Forums.

By Justin Martin
Staff Writer

OTHER STORIES: • Aviation groups come to airport's aid • Aviation commission looks to GAIN • New airport promotions prepare for takeoff • Airport hopes to see funds • Experts push master plan for airport • Airport ignores funding • Board moves to study expansion • Inspectors: Airport outdated • Commission rethinks airport plan • Commission OKs design of new terminal • Airport gets fund priority • City sets sights on airport facilities • City looks to land major airlines • Local leaders discuss airline service goals • Delta jets to depart from area • Airport panel OKs new terminal plan • Growth alarms officials • Augusta's size hurts airport expansion plan • Firms vie for airport plan • More airlines doubtful • Problems hurt Bush Field • Airport business picks up • Augusta airport plans disappointed by Delta

Business is beginning to pick up for some of the companies that call Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field home.

The Augusta Aviation Commission is now in the process of reviewing several proposals from the likes of Garrett Aviation, McAir Aviators and Flightline Services, Al McDill said Thursday.

Mr. McDill, the airport's manager, said Garrett Aviation is looking to expand its operations. The company has been experiencing a lack of hangar space in which to work on more or larger aircraft.

Part of the expansion proposal would include a facility to test engines.

The commission has approved the request in concept and will now begin working with the company to meet its needs. On a related note, Mr. McDill said Garrett is now negotiating with the commission to consolidate its three leases, set to expire in eight years, into one lease, extending it in the process to 15 years.

In other airport news, Mr. McDill said McAir Aviators is seeking a five-year lease from the commission. McAir runs a flight training school on a year-to-year lease agreement with the airport. A five-year lease would allow it to expand its operations. The move was recently approved, in concept form, by the commission. The details need to be worked out by the attorneys involved, Mr. McDill said.

Finally, the commission is mulling the proposal by Flightline Services to lease 44,000 square feet at the airport. Flightline would construct an airplane painting and interior refurbishing facility.

The commission is working with Flightline on a possible location for such a facility. Mr. McDill said the commission is also concerned about any environmental issues that may arise from having such a business at the airport.

Reach Justin Martin at (706) 823-3552.