Increased private plane travel spurs expansion
Officials at the Appleton International Airport announce construction has started on a hangar expansion at its Appleton Flight Center, the facility that serves general aviation aircraft. The 32,770 square foot hangar will cost $7.2 million and is federally funded through the 2022 CARES Act. Construction is expected to be complete in fall of 2023
The Appleton Flight Center is located south of the commercial airport and offers maintenance, fueling, and hangar leases/rentals for general aviation (the industry term for private aircraft). General aviation landings at the Appleton center are up 10% (first quarter of 2023 vs first quarter of 2022) with 2,720 landings from January-March of 2023 alone.
“Clearly we are seeing this sector of air travel grow since 2020,” said Airport Director Abe Weber. “Over the course of the last three years, many businesses elected to fly charter to increase convenience for their employees. Now, we are seeing private air travel continue to grow due to the travel demand in all areas of the industry.”
Weber said the Appleton Flight center currently has two existing hangars which are both full, and the new hangar is needed to accommodate the growth in chartered planes using the facility.
The flight center also features private charter service from Maxair which averages 53 flights per month
“The construction of a new hangar at Appleton International Airport represents a significant opportunity to expand our operations and create a positive impact on both the local economy and job market in the Fox Valley,” said Justin Johnson, President and Chief Pilot of Maxair. “The increased space will enable us to base more aircraft in Appleton and generate new top-quality job opportunities in the area. We’ll be able to serve a larger volume of flights, including local businesses, medical and organ transport, airline support, and leisure clients.”
Johnson added, “Maxair has seen exciting growth in the last 5 years and our partnership with the ATW airport is a big reason we have been able to capture many new opportunities.
Both Weber and Johnson cite these reasons for increases in private air travel:
- Significant time savings: Business travelers avoid commercial airport delays and layovers common at major hub airports.
- Service to smaller markets: Private aircraft can fly into smaller and more remote airports taking many business travelers directly to their destinations.
- Scheduling convenience: Charter flights can arrive and leave based on the needs of business travelers. The Appleton Flight Center provides business and aviation services that include ground transportation for pilots and passengers, business conference rooms, lounge, airplane service and fueling, and more. The Center opened in YEAR.
MEDIA IS INVITED TO TOUR THE CONSTRUCTION SITE
WHERE: N259 Ares Drive, Appleton, WI 54914–Please note, the entrance is just off Prospect Avenue, west of the commercial Airport
WHEN: 11:00a-11:30a:00 Thurs., June 1
WHO: Airport Director Abe Weber and Maxair (President & Chief Pilot) Justin Johnson will be available for interviews.
About Appleton International Airport Appleton International Airport connects our community to the world through American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air. In addition to offering nonstop service to 15 destinations, Appleton Airport connects to six major international airport hubs from which travelers can fly to almost anywhere in the world. Using Appleton Airport, travelers can safely and more conveniently get to their destination and home again, leaving them more time for what really matters. Appleton International Airport is the third largest airport in Wisconsin according to arrivals and departures. Visit atwairport.com to learn more.
About Maxair
Maxair has been an air service provider for over 55 years. Through its bases in Appleton and Orlando Maxair operates 15 aircraft and flies more than 5,000 hours a year.
About the CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 116th U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 27, 2020, in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
