Airport Authority Votes to Keep Fort Wayne Airport Open Indefinitely

ANN has learned that the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority Board voted 6-0, late Monday, in favor of keeping Smith Field Airport open "indefinitely", and to allow new hangar construction on the airport before the year is over. The decision was wonderful news to Smith Field Air Service, LLC, the airport manager and FBO operator for the last two years.

"We're very grateful to the Airport Authority Board for this vote of confidence in the airport, and for allowing us to continue to work toward making this the best airport it can be," said Stephen J. Hatch, owner of Smith Field Air Service, LLC". "This airport has a lot of potential, and it will serve our community and the nation as a business and personal transportation hub for many years to come."

The airport was scheduled for closure on July 1, 2003. A group of volunteers, led by Hatch, worked feverishly to convince the Airport Authority to reverse itself, and on March 27, 2003 the Airport Authority Board did just that, canceling the closure of the airport.

After the Airport Authority Board issued a Request For Proposals, Smith Field Air Service, LLC, submitted a successful bid and was awarded the contract to manage the airport and operate an FBO at the field. The contract for management expired in May, 2004, but was extended and in place on a month-to-month basis since that time.

However, the airport has been in limbo for the last two years, awaiting a decision from the Airport Authority Board about its intentions. Until Monday's vote, it remained to be seen whether the airport was going to remain open. Plans for development of the airport will now begin in earnest, according to the resolution passed by the Airport Authority Board.

FMI: www.sfas.us