the FBO up and running before 2026, a landmark year for Philadelphia. “2026 will be a tremendous year for Philadelphia, with World Cup soccer games, the Major League Baseball All-Star game, and the 250th anniversary of our country,” Brewer points out. In preparation, the airport will also rehabilitate its crosswind runway and start another taxiway project next year. “We’ve been very fortunate to get a lot of grant money from the FAA, and we have more grant money on the way,” Brewer adds. RISING NUMBERS AND GROWING EFFICIENCY Northeast Philadelphia Airport has seen a significant surge in activity over recent years, reflecting its growing importance and efficiency.This upward trend in operations showcases the airport’s expanding role in serving diverse aviation needs. Brewer details the remarkable growth in operations: “We ended 2023 with 114,775 operations, up almost 20,000 from 2022, which had 95,991. 2021 we had 83,751, so that’s a 12,000 increase from 2021 to this year, we’re starting a security fence replacement project, which will replace about 80% of the airport’s security fence and gates,” Brewer says. This yearlong project aims to bolster the airport’s overall safety. Additionally, almost 1,900 feet of sidewalk around the airport has been replaced to meet the Philadelphia code, including installing ten new handicap ramps. Brewer also highlights efforts to address more minor yet crucial safety concerns.“We have some old trench drains on the airfield, remnants of a de-icer collection system from when the airport had airline service in the 60s, 70s, and 80s,” he explains. These outdated drains are now creating debris issues, so they will be removed and filled with concrete.“We’re focused on getting these little safety improvement projects done,” he adds. The airport is finalizing a lease with a new FBO, SARS Trilogy, which plans to operate as Aero Center Northeast Philadelphia. “We’re close to finalizing that. We’re waiting on the FAA to see if we need a full-blown environmental assessment or an expedited one,” Brewer says. The goal is to have START PLANNING YOUR MEETING CONVENTION. UNCONVENTIONAL. COME FOR THE FOR THE stay PHILADELPHIA 178 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06
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