With around 20 acres currently available for airside and non-airside development at the airport, Tindle points to the airport’s capacity to cater to future aviation businesses and any industry that would lease at the airport potentially leading to the creation of new jobs. A TERMINAL WORTHY OF LANDING TO Tindle points out that he and his staff are tailoring the airport not only in its overall appearance and attractiveness but also in the experience that it provides those landing at its doors. “This helps to give that good first impression of the community.” With work underway for a 4000 square foot terminal building that will replace the original terminal built in 1951, 2025 will see a dramatic facelift and go a long way towards an enhanced airport experience that Tindle strives for. “We tore down the original terminal last summer which was a little small for what we needed.” “We are building a brand new state-of-the-art terminal building that will have some classrooms, for the high school classes and for flight training as well as some new conference rooms and a multi-purpose room that will be used for different purposes. The terminal will also include some food truck hookups out in the parking lot and a large covered patio attached to the terminal building for entertaining and providing an outdoor eating space. “We want to make the airport a focal point of the community now that we will have some space for people to come out and enjoy the airport,” Tindle enthuses. LOOKING DOWN THE RUNWAY When asked what lies ahead for the airport that already has such momentum behind it, Tindle is quick to answer. “People can come out and see airplanes and hopefully host some more events out here. Maybe some pancake fly-ins and we would also like to 145 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 02 MCALESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT
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