the airport maintains infrastructure that rivals facilities serving much larger populations. The recent $1.6 million apron reconstruction, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation in May 2022, emphasizes the strategic investment in keeping the facility competitive. “We have general aviation hangars and commercial hangar space available that’s heated,” Rich Farmer, vice president of the board, explains.“We do have two life flight medical helicopters on site.” The airport processes approximately 300 to 350 corporate aircraft operations annually, primarily serving manufacturing giants like Whirlpool and Heinz. Whirlpool’s Clyde facility, the world’s largest washing machine plant, recently secured a $300 million expansion that will add up to 600 jobs. These industrial anchors drive consistent corporate traffic, with executives flying in regularly for plant operations and business meetings. The airport currently lacks avionics or maintenance facilities, but Farmer sees opportunity rather than limitation. “We are interested in pursuing them if somebody is looking for an opportunity, whether that’s with hangar space or ground lease to build a hangar,” he says. “All of that is available.” With 24hour fuel service, an automated weather observation system, and precision approach path indicator lights, the airport delivers essential services while positioning itself for expansion in an underserved market. CORPORATE TRAFFIC AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION The airport’s corporate aviation traffic signifies Sandusky County’s position as a recognized hub for business investment. Site Selection Magazine has named Fremont-Sandusky County among the nation’s Top 50 Micropolitan areas for multiple consecutive years, a distinction that attracts companies seeking strategic locations with access to major markets. The region’s manufacturing base generates steady demand for executive travel, with corporate aircraft serving as vital business tools rather than luxury amenities. “We do have a fair amount, and I guess for our region we have a reasonable amount of corporate traffic,” Farmer notes.“We have some plants that have local 231 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 11 SANDUSKY COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT
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