PERRY, Ga. — It's been a little over a year since the Perry-Houston County Airport opened a new terminal and corporate building. City and county officials hoped the additions would bring more planes and businesses to boost the economy.
"It's the best year we've ever had. Each year we continue to grow and get more fuel sales in here," Airport Manager James Marquardt said.
Last year, the airport saw 47 take-offs and landings a day. They increased fuel sales by 46% and gross income by 30%.
The money isn't just landing in their pockets.
"They all pay taxes, so of course, that's an increase in the tax revenue," Marquardt said.
When more private planes and charter flights land at PXE and park in the new terminal Marquardt says they will spend money in the community.
"They buy fuel here. They shop here. Believe it or not, we get a lot of people coming here going to Buc-ee's, going to Rigby's," he said.
It's impacting businesses right at the airport, like Tailwind Aviation Solutions.
"It's a flight school. It's a maintenance facility. It's an Avionics Shop, and it's a certified repair station," owner Brian Ellingham said.
Ellingham says this operation is rare at smaller airports due to lack of space. Storing and repairing planes needs a lot of room. He says businesses like his are vital to aviation.
"A lot of aircraft out there are old and require a lot of routine maintenance," Ellingham said.
Thanks to the airport's expansion, they can expand their work too. Tailwind plans to take over the land of the old fixed base operator site to service even more plane owners.
"Being able to do it all in-house, under one roof and being able to flow the project out makes it an easier solution for the customer," Ellingham said.
The airport hopes to build a corporate taxiway so more businesses can build private hangars. They say two corporations have already shown interest.
People interested in touring the new terminal can visit the website here.
The Houston County Development Authority also sent 13WMAZ a statement:
"It will certainly be an asset in possibly attracting new business as it serves as one of the gateways to our community. It makes for a great first impression.
Of course, corporate tenants in the area benefit from the ability to have better accommodations for their pilots. The pilots often stay behind at the terminal while the execs visit their facilities.
It has been a tremendous help to the Authority when we entertain potential companies and can utilize the technologically equipped, modern board room for presentations. It is also close to the property we showcase to developers allowing us to easily spend time in the comfort of the boardroom for our presentation, quickly making our way to the site for viewing."