Hampton Roads Executive Airport Embarks on Phase III Growth Initiatives
Key Ideas
- Hampton Roads Executive Airport in Chesapeake, Virginia, is undergoing Phase III growth initiatives, including a new hangar complex and infrastructure improvements, totaling over $10 million.
- The airport has received investments of over $60 million in the last 25 years from the FAA, Commonwealth of Virginia, and VAA, with recent funding from the Virginia Aviation Board dedicated to growth activities.
- The planned improvements align with the airport's transition into the next 20 years of alternative fuels, including the construction of an additional fuel farm for Avgas and Jet Fuel, as well as a hydrogen production plant.
- VAA's vision includes providing fuel alternatives such as electric airplane charging stations and a hydrogen production plant to support emerging aircraft platforms, driving innovation in aircraft design and fuel sourcing while aiming for a reduced environmental impact and lower flying costs.
Virginia Aviation Associates, LLC (VAA) has announced Phase III growth initiatives for Hampton Roads Executive Airport in Chesapeake, Virginia. The planned improvements, totaling over $10 million, include a new 36,000 SF hangar complex that can accommodate based jets, transient jet storage needs, or an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) flight test and research facility. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Commonwealth of Virginia, and VAA have collectively invested over $60 million in the airport over the past 25 years. Recent funding from the Virginia Aviation Board and grants from the FAA support the airport's growth activities. The airport is preparing for the future of aviation by enhancing its infrastructure to keep up with industry demands and transition into the next 20 years of alternative fuels. Hampton Roads Executive Airport is set to undergo significant transformations, including improvements to its entrance, apron, and hangar facilities. These developments are being funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) federal funding and include the construction of an additional fuel farm for Avgas and Jet Fuel. VAA is embracing the concept of providing fuel alternatives by introducing a hydrogen production plant, electric airplane charging stations, and public electric charging stations to support the transition to electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft. Steven I. Fox, the managing member of VAA, highlights the rapid innovation in aircraft design and alternate fuel sourcing, which is expected to reduce flying costs and have a less damaging impact on the environment. VAA's ownership of the airport since 2000 has seen significant enhancements, such as a new runway, terminal, taxiways, and various facilities to support modern aviation needs. The planned traffic improvements by VDOT and the City of Chesapeake aim to enhance access to the airport directly from US RT 58. These developments align with the vision of converting Hampton Roads Executive Airport into a modern executive regional transportation hub, receiving support from various aviation entities and the local government.
Topics
Aviation
Environmental Impact
Infrastructure
Innovation
Alternative Fuels
Government Support
Airport Expansion
Aviation Community
Regional Transportation Hub
Latest News