1/19 Gets Improvements -- And There's More To Come

The Kansas City Aviation Department announced Wednesday the reconstruction of the northernmost portion of Runway 1/19 at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) is now complete, and the runway has been reopened.

According to media reports, the reconstruction of the first 3,300 feet of Runway 19 was part of a $69.6 million improvement program designed to enhance the safety of aircraft operations. It is hoped the improved runway will aid in attracting more traffic to the airport, fueling economic development in the area.

Phase two of the improvement project -- extending the 7,000-ft runway by roughly 400 feet -- is scheduled to begin early next year, and future projects include relocating the field's fuel farm and adding new hangars. The airport also has a 5,000-ft runway, 3/21.

Many of the costs of the improvements to the 79-year old field -- it was dedicated by Charles Lindbergh -- are eligible for grants-in-aid from the FAA under the agency's airport improvement program.

The airport was Kansas City's first major airport, and was once home to the original Trans World Airlines. In 1972, most commercial air traffic relocated to the newly opened Kansas City International Airport, and MKC involved into a corporate aviation airport.

The field's proximity to downtown KC makes it an attractive choice to corporate aircraft, as well as for recreational and general aviation traffic.

FMI: www.airnav.com/airport/KMKC