development of a new general aviation area to accommodate growing demand, the potential addition of a third cargo operator, and the expansion of airline maintenance facilities. “We’re positioning ourselves not just as a regional hub, but as a key player in the national aviation industry,” Weiler maintains. The airport benefits from its extensive 3,300acre property, which allows for current and future development.The master plan defines the potential for a second parallel runway and runway extensions, which Weiler acknowledges are essential for accommodating increasing traffic. “We do own the property for that and also a future extension of a runway that we have,” he confirms. The new training program at OTC is expected to bolster the local workforce, paving the way for future airline maintenance facilities.“We’ve identified in the master plan at least two, and we have the potential to even put in more airline maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities down the road,” expands Weiler. “That will not only create jobs for the region, but also improve air service down the road. If you give the airlines another reason to be here, if we’re maintaining airline aircraft here in Springfield, we’re more likely going to get more routes and more service.” COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT SGF’s impact extends beyond aviation, playing a significant role in the local economy. Kent Boyd, Community Relations Manager and Director of Marketing/Air Service Development, depicts, “We serve approximately a 100 mile circle around the airport. The primary service area is about a 70 mile circle with a population of about a million people, and we’re the primary air transportation port for that area.” As for the airport’s role as an economic driver, Boyd highlights the importance of increasing passenger 338 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09
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