By Shawn Long
This article is part of a companion series to “Engines of Economic Development: West Virginia’s Airports,” which appeared in the Fall 2020 issue of West Virginia Executive magazine.
In a quiet, unassuming city resides an airport with the reach and economic impact to rival even the largest airports in the surrounding states. Anyone new to the North Central West Virginia region might not realize how special the airport is. Driving past the entrance, swinging in to catch a glimpse of an aircraft landing or talking to staff members, newcomers may begin to understand the airport is anything but ordinary. In fact, the North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) is quite extraordinary.
CKB is home to the state’s longest commercial runway and, currently, the only aerotech park in the state. Connecting the community to the world, CKB offers passenger air service for the entire region and is a vital economic engine. With an annual economic impact of more than $1.1 billion and an impressive 1,300 jobs attributed to its existence, the airport touches the entire community. Through partnerships with its many tenants—including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Pratt & Whitney Engine Services, Aurora Flight Sciences – A Boeing Company and Engine Airframe Solutions Worldwide—CKB is in an enviable position to launch the region into the next generation of aerospace advancement.
With the continued growth of commercial air service and the continual success of tenant businesses on the airfield, the airport was recently faced with a dilemma: a lack of space. The existing footprint of the on-airfield facilities left little room for expansion. A solution had to be found. Benedum Airport Authority, owner and operator of the airport, along with partners at the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex (MAAC) and Harrison County Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC), found the solution. Through foresight and vision a master plan was developed that maximizes the airport’s property for the highest and best use. The plan includes more than $100 million in development projects, creating a Benedum Logistics Park, a new airport terminal facility, 100-acre aerotech park and Harrison Regional Industrial Park. The plan is comprised of three, distinct phases.
Phase 1 is a massive earth movement project of nearly 3 million cubic yards of dirt, slated to create the site for the airport’s new terminal facility. Upon completion of the earth movement, the airport will construct a new terminal facility situated to provide direct, unimpeded access from Interstate 279, a new parking facility and a terminal building capable of expanding to support the airport and the area for generations to come.
While earthwork is expected to commence shortly, the Benedum Airport Authority is continuing with the planning phase of the new terminal facility. Recently, the airport held a work session for various stakeholder groups, including representatives of regional convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, travel agencies, economic developers and elected officials from several counties in the region. From this work session, important information was obtained, which will be used in the final conceptual design.
Phase 2 involves the creation of CKB’s aerotech park, which will provide more than 100 contiguous acres of developable property with direct runway access for commercial and industrial use. This allows for expansion opportunities for the tenants on the field, as well as being able to attract additional aerotech companies.
Phase 2 will not be undertaken in a vacuum. Thanks to the airport’s fantastic partners, including tenants, the MAAC, and HCEDC, Phase 2 is a reality. With their insight, guidance, and assistance, the aerotech park will be marketed to local and global players ensuring CKB is at the center of aviation and aerospace for years to come.
Phase 3 will include additional development of acreage not accessible to the runway for the aerotech park. This phase is designed to fill the remaining space with entities desiring expansion while needing to remain close to air service to further their company’s needs. While direct access to the runway will not be available, access to the nation’s air transportation system and centrally located land will provide companies value.
While there are many uncertainties in aviation, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one constant is the commitment by all partners at CKB to continue to grow and diversify the airport. Together with its partners and tenants, CKB is set up to make the region even more successful and ensure economic diversification.
About the Author
Shawn Long is the deputy director of the North Central West Virginia Airport. A graduate of Fairmont State University with degrees in aviation business administration, aviation maintenance management and aviation maintenance technology, he remains committed to the safe and efficient operations of the airport as well as the economic success of the region. Long is an active member of the West Virginia Airport Managers Association and serves on the board of directors for the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce.
