ACTIVITY SURGES AT MOORE COUNTY AIRPORT

North Carolina’s Moore County Airport (KSOP) has experienced a surge in corporate jet activity and is evaluating future infrastructure improvements to support continued demand. The airport authority serves as the sole FBO on the field and has recorded record-breaking fuel sales this year and rising interest in hangar space with almost 50 parties on the hangar waiting list. The airport has been able to secure grant eligible funding for certain airport improvements, but will not be able to rely on FAA grant funding for hangar construction since hangars are considered to be revenue-producing infrastructure.

Current grant eligible improvements at KSOP include replacement of runway and taxiway lighting, construction of a hangar service road, and land acquisition to support a designated runway protection zone. The airport estimates, however, that it would cost $9 million to construct hangars needed to meet current demand. While the airport is anticipating the construction of two new hangars, it also has taxiway area space that could be utilized to build four additional hangars, but will not be able to proceed without additional funding. In the interim, county commissioners have recommended the airport develop a capital improvement plan to address maintenance needed on existing hangars.