BERN TOWNSHIP, PA --
The Reading Regional Airport Authority is being urged to market the airport's outstanding features because the facility is an invaluable economic asset to the community and region.
"It's the best little airport in PA, but people don't know what's here," board member Paul J. Prutzman said.
According to Fran F. Strouse, director of Aviation Technological Services at L.R. Kimball & Associates Inc., Harrisburg, "You have an absolutely top-notch airport when compared to others in the region, and you need to promote it."
Strouse presented the third of eight workshops on the airport's business planning that is expected to result in attracting more corporate and private jets to the facility, plus increased aircraft operations and fuel sales.
He emphasized Tuesday that the airport's safety and security-related features include a control tower, trained aircraft rescue and firefighting capabilities, military presence, fast snow removal from its two long runways, plus precision instrument approaches and an approach-lighting system, features often lacking in other airports.
Also, Reading Regional has the largest terminal building and parking facility, two charter services and the lowest average fuel prices, he said.
And it has the benefits of being classified by the Federal Aviation Administration as an FAA General & Aviation National Airport, with most others within its 30-minute service area classified as local, municipal or regional airports.
Strouse urged the authority's seven-member board to expand the airport's community and business outreach by holding special events there, promoting the airport as a venue for large outdoor activities and working with county and city economic and industrial development agencies, among a range of other initiatives.
"That would provide business growth/opportunity to build the local economy," he added.
With respect to the recent 26th annual Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's World War II Weekend, the board had only exceptional praise for the event's programs, organization and many volunteers.
"We were blown away," said Randall Swan, board vice chairman.
Terry P. Sroka, airport manager, noted that plans are underway for the 2016 Reading Air Fest on Sept. 9 and 10, with a full night show, fireworks and a Harrier jump jet demonstration.
Original article can be found here: http://www.readingeagle.com
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