and Allegiant provide families with accessible vacation options without connecting flights. The Evansville Wartime Museum, housed in one of EVV’s hangars, is as a major historical attraction showcasing the region’s World War II manufacturing legacy. During the war, Evansville’s Republic Aviation produced over 6,000 P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft, earning three military awards for excellence and a visit from President Franklin Roosevelt. The museum displays “Hoosier Spirit II,” a restored P-47 that was designated Indiana’s official state aircraft in 2021. Beyond aviation history, the region offers diverse recreational opportunities.“We have casinos, and we have valleys here,” Hahn notes, referring to general tourist draws.The nearby Hoosier National Forest to the east and Shawnee National Forest to the west provide hiking opportunities. “I would not describe Evansville itself as great hiking, but near hiking from a flatter Midwestern perspective. It’s not Colorado hiking,” Hahn clarifies, managing expectations while highlighting accessible outdoor recreation options. INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Hahn acknowledges that 2024’s ambitious expansion creates space for more methodical development in 2025.“I joke, and it is only a joke that I tell the team, we did so much last year, we’re just going to take 2025 off,” he says. However, the airport’s upcoming projects focus on essential infrastructure that enables future growth rather than headline-grabbing expansions. The next 18 months include runway rehabilitation for EVV’s secondary runway 18/36, taxiway reconstruction, and the major baggage handling system replacement. “Airports typically go through periods where they’re doing the big exciting flamboyant things, air service, new buildings, and then you do have to take a step back and rebuild your infrastructure and prepare for that next big push,” Hahn explains. West Ramp infrastructure improvements will include relocating taxiways and roadways to safer configurations while preparing for expanded corporate aviation development. Air service development remains a constant priority, 189 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 09 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT
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