MANASSAS — Manassas Regional Airport is tracking for continued growth, including a highly anticipated partnership with Chantilly Air, said Dan Radtke, chairman of the Airport Commission, on Monday’s city council meeting.
Chantilly Air will construct two 30,000 square foot hangers and 20,000 square feet of office and terminal space at Manassas Regional — a $10 million expansion. This project is sure to be “a great asset to our community,” said Radtke.
Aurora Flight Sciences is planning to put in a $13 million robotics building. The company’s headquarters are located at Manassas Regional, and this expansion is projected to add 135 new jobs to the city.
Air charter operations is another anticipated addition to Manassas Regional. This would enable clients to rent entire aircraft, as opposed to individual aircraft seats, for scheduled travel — a practice typically utilized by large businesses. Radtke said these operations would enable charter travel to major cities such as Atlantic City, Boston, and New York City. However, a pilot shortage has stalled the charter service pursuit for now.
“But it is coming and that’s one of the things we’re going to continue to operate,” said Radtke.
Other upcoming projects include repaving, new runway lighting, tower replacements, and new airport signage for increased “beautification and traffic flow of the airport.”
Despite its smaller size, Manassas Regional is the nation’s number one municipal airport and the busiest general aviation airport in the Commonwealth. Located only 30 miles from Washington, D.C., the airport uses its proximity to the nation’s capital to market itself to clients who need city access but wish to avoid the crowds and higher fuel costs of Dulles International or Ronald Reagan Washington National airports.
Manassas Regional also offers U.S. customs, which sets it apart. “We are the only general aviation airport in Northern Virginia that has U.S. customs on call,” Juan Rivera, airport director, said in an interview with Potomac Local in April. This added convenience makes the airport an attractive option for companies doing international business; “one more tool in the handbag of economic development for this city.”
“We have people fly in from Canada, London, Europe, South America, Mexico,” Radtke said. The airport has 19 executive corporate hangars and many large companies fly their corporate jets into Manassas Regional, including Costco, Target, and Marriott. “We do make an impact on these companies,” Radtke noted.
The airport does face consistent obstacles to growth, however. The lack of nearby hotels and conference centers sometimes results in clients choosing other airports for convenience. They are also running out of land for future development. The airport is surrounded by flood plains, which will prove challenging for continued advancement and construction.
Radtke reported that the airport had increased their retained earnings this year, to $750,000. He credited this to Rivera’s management and grant obtainments. Manassas Regional is self-sustaining. It not only pays for its entire budget with fees and revenues but also contributes almost $1 million each year to the city. Last year, they contributed $900,000. Most of the airport’s money comes from land leases, real estate taxes, and personal property taxes collected from hangers. 26 businesses are located at the airport.
Manassas Regional plays an active part in the community as well. They hosted the 2018 5K and 10K races, in which 600 runners participated. They have donated to Compassion Airlift, Manassas Police Foundation, and sponsored Women in Aviation. The air shows are annual, well-attended events that the community looks forward to.
“You are beginning to get so much credit for things happening in Northern Virginia,” Mayor Hal Parrish said to Radtke.
