Albany city leaders and Congressman Sanford Bishop cut ribbon on new hangar at Southwest Georgia Regional Airport

ALBANY, Ga. –  Albany city leaders came together Monday morning to cut the ribbon on a new hangar at Southwest Georgia Regional Airport.

And… many are optimistic about what it means for the city’s commercial future.

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, city commissioners, and Congressman Sanford Bishop were on hand to tour the new facility…

One that Congressman Bishop tells us is going to create more commercial opportunities in southwest Georgia.

“This general commercial hangar is going to increase the capacity of Albany to service businesses and general aviation flights. Particularly our tourism when people come for the great quail hunts here in southwest Georgia…” said Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, 2nd Congressional District, Georgia.

The city of Albany has been looking into expansion of the transportation hub and humble airstrip throughout 2024…

And… this new private hangar helps open up more possibilities for expansion.

“The four corporate hangars just open you up to more businesses being able to get their jets in and out of the airport or their area. And, so, it’ll become a real magnet for businesses to see this area and increases development chances in the future,” said Chris Lowry, Project Manager, Holt Consulting.

In their hopes to entice more businesses to come to southwest Georgia, they want those flying in and using these new hangars to see the untapped potential the area has.

“What small rural towns run into is, ‘hey can I land my plane here and can I keep it here?’ And, once you have the ability to host them, it opens up so many doors for the community,” said Lowry.

And… after year’s of investment, plans for expansion may not be done yet.

“And, for the last three fiscal years, we have invested $1.1 million in this facility here at the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport. We’re so proud to work with this great community, and the leadership here…” said Congressman Bishop.

Local leaders are excited over the possibilities this new hangar is going to bring as they continue to invest in expanding Southwest Georgia’s Regional Airport.

Southwest Georgia Regional Airport is currently in the middle of preparing for their master plan update.

Brian Roche reporting.

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