Recent developments at Triangle North Executive Airport (TNEA) have been completed with the introduction of two new corporate hangar sites to strengthen its positioning in the business aviation sector. This enhancement, part of TNEA's master layout plan, is backed by a substantial $3.6 million in grant funding sourced from a combined effort of the Federal Aviation Administration, North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation, and Franklin County contributions, aiming to propel the airport's business aviation growth opportunities.
"Bringing in grant funding to address areas of the airfield is crucial to our success," Airport Director Bo Carson told Franklin County in a statement, emphasizing the importance of funding partners in upgrading the North Corporate Hangar area to improve accessibility and safety for corporate clients, creating a situation he describes as "a win, win for all." The Project Flight grant has enabled Franklin County to attract two new corporate tenants who plan to build two 12,000-square-foot hangars on the site to house their aircraft, a move which is expected to bolster the local economy by expanding the tax base and increasing fuel sales and operations from the airport.
Key upgrades brought about by the funding include the construction of a new taxiway replete with LED lighting, additional parking behind the hangar sites earmarked for tenant use, a new access road facilitating movement for tenants, vendors, and fuel trucks, alongside upgraded restricted gate access and fencing to beef up security measures. "Triangle North Executive Airport has become an excellent location for corporate travel over the past few years," Interim County Manager Ryan Preble said in an interview with Franklin County, noting that the new hangar tenants will complement the county's growth strategy by increasing its tax base, fuel sales, and operations out of the airport.
Triangle North Executive Airport is a key player in the regional economy with an impact valued at $85.55 million, where it is home to over 53,000 operations a year and houses five diverse aviation service businesses. Franklin County, where the airport is situated, boasts a dynamic economy that marries its agrarian roots with burgeoning industrial and manufacturing sectors, providing residents and visitors with a unique mix of historical ambience and modern conveniences, all within easy reach of Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park.
