Business View Magazine - January 2024

facilities to convenient rentals, The airport’s portfolio of services showcases a strategic balance between aviation-related and general business activities. SETTING THE STAGE FOR EXPANSION With so many on-airport benefits being extended to such diverse entities, it is a clear sign that Williamsport’s influence extends far beyond the runway. And while this consistent activity is good, it also poses the challenge of hangar capabilities and long- term functionality. So naturally, the airport’s hangar landscape sees frequent upgrades, with newer facilities coexisting with older yet functional ones. While there was contemplation of expanding hangar space, the current focus leans toward enhancing existing facilities, including the prospect of introducing heated hangars to meet evolving needs. “We’ve been pretty busy this year. We’re finishing up rehab of Runway 1230, our second runway,” Howell states, noting just one of the many recent upgrades that have taken place. The airport has also constructed a new passenger terminal as well as renovated its control tower. There is also a maintenance facility that is nearing completion.The facility will be available to rent after many years of housing the airport’s snow removal equipment, which is getting its own dedicated space. To accomplish all of this, Williamsport has been using a mix of carrier funding and matching up with state funds. The goal is to put itself in the best position to handle and execute some of the future aspirations that it is working towards, like a flight school. While discussions about introducing flight school activities have surfaced, challenges, primarily related to insurance and liability, have become a topic of consideration. Despite the obstacles, there’s a collective desire to foster a learning environment, with the potential 295 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01 WI LL IAMSPORT REGIONAL AI RPORT