NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — After a turbulent few years, the Newport News Williamsburg Airport is planning for the future.
Leaders are in the process of creating a new, long-term master plan after recently receiving more than $1 million in federal funding.
When asked about the state of Newport News Williamsburg Airport, interim Executive Director John Borden was quick to answer.
“We are open for business, and we aren’t going anywhere,” Borden told 13News Now Friday.
Borden took over after board members fired the ex-director, Michael Giardino, amid struggles to attract passengers and airline service.
The Newport News airport just got a federal grant worth more than $1.3 million. The plan is to use the money to create a master plan for the facility.
Right now, airport leadership is focused on what’s next.
“It is basically a roadmap for a five, 10, and 15-year plan,” said Borden.
The last plan was completed in 2014.
Borden said they will consider a changing airline industry and how the airport can better serve the public.
It will look at options with cargo, non-commercial flights, and facility upgrades, and they will work with the community and local governments to reach a comprehensive strategy, according to Borden.
“We are hoping this master plan gets to the point where we will be a viable source to the public for everything all-encompassing, full spectrum of aerospace,” said Borden.
But the plan will also look to get the airport on the cutting edge of the industry, specifically making room for “Advanced Air Mobility," which is being called the future of aviation.
“Possibly later on, in 15 to 20 years from now, you might actually see people on these little air taxis, a vertical lifting," said Borden. "And going from across the river to drop people off, just like old ferries used to, but you’ll be doing that in the air.”
Borden expects work on the master plan will start in four to six weeks, and it’s important to get this right.
“So, all that has to be planned now," Borden said. "It’s going to take infrastructure, severe and critical infrastructure, electrical work to do a lot of this invention or study, and we hope to lead the way in that.”
This summer, American Airlines is adding more flights to Charlotte, according to Borden.