Business View Magazine - January 2024

as the Laurinburg-Maxton Army Air Base in 1942, once the largest training ground for World War II glider pilots, a testament to its enduring legacy of American aviation history. Post-World War II, the airport was handed over to Laurinburg and the town of Maxton. Since then, it has been governed by the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport Commission. However, a shift occurred around 2020 with new legislation from the North Carolina General Assembly, leading to the creation of the Southeast Regional Airport Authority, marking a new era in the airport’s governance. Today, the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport operates under the guidance of the Southeast Regional Airport Authority and is divided into two main departments. The first focuses on grant management and services as a water and sewer provider to customers, particularly in the industrial park. This includes managing property inventory and ensuring efficient operations. The second department handles the Fixed Base Operations (FBO). In a significant move in January 2023, the airport brought these operations in-house, a change from the private FBO presence on the field to the 1960s. This transition has allowed for a more integrated and customer-centric approach, with the airport managing fuel sales and hangar facilities and aiming to provide a unique customer service experience. MODERN OPERATIONS Since January, Laurinburg-Maxton Airport has assumed the responsibilities of the Fixed Base Operator (FBO),marking a strategic shift from relying on private FBO services to embracing self-reliance, reflecting its adaptability in the dynamic aviation services sector. In this new role, the airport has showcased significant capabilities, notably selling 100 low-lead Avgas and Jet A fuel with additives and managing an impressive array of 22 hangars—a remarkable feat considering the current high demand for hangar space. Yet, challenges do exist. Many of these hangars, constructed in the 70s and 80s, now face aging issues and the need for modernization. In response, the airport brought a new set of T hangars 2018 catering to smaller, piston-driven general aviation aircraft. This addition modernized their facilities and addressed the growing demand for hangar space. Yet, with 33 aircraft based and only 22 hangars, the airport still faces a space crunch, leading to some aircraft being permanently tied down on the ramp. There have been many discussions about introducing regional or commercial services. Hatchell shares his vision for the airport’s growth, emphasizing a desire not to limit the airport’s potential. Whether expanding into cargo services or accommodating regional airliners, the possibility of transforming Laurinburg-Maxton Airport into a more versatile aviation hub remains a key consideration. FUTURE RUNWAY PROJECTS Hatchell highlights North Carolina’s thriving research triangle and its appeal to high-tech companies and executives. Offering more extensive services, such as direct flights to major destinations like Florida, represents both a dream and a strategic objective with significant regional benefits. One of the most significant upcoming projects Hatchell discusses is a runway extension. The plan to extend the current 6,500 feet runway to an impressive 8,500 feet positions Laurinburg-Maxton Airport as a key player in North Carolina’s aviation landscape. This expansion would rank the airport as having the second-longest non-commercial runway in the state. Such an upgrade is not just about length; it’s a strategic move to enhance the airport’s capacity and capabilities, aligning it with the demands of modern aviation. Accompanying this runwayextension are foundational projects like updating the airport’s layout plan, preliminary engineering, and environmental analysis. A significant aspect of this development is the relocation of airport roads, a necessary step to accommodate the extended runway. These foundational works are essential precursors to the more visible aspects of construction, like asphalt laying and physical building. Addressing the hangar space issue, Hatchell highlights approving two sets of 10-bay T-hangars. 271 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01 LAURINBURG-MAX TON AI RPORT