By Stu Johnson
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A new 12,000-square-foot terminal sits at Lexington's Blue Grass Airport. A ribbon cutting for TAC Air's new terminal was held Wednesday.
For 13 years, TAC Air has serviced and fueled private aircraft at Bluegrass Field. The improved TAC Air facility could help facilitate economic growth in the region. Greg Arnold, who's CEO of TAC Air's parent company, says fixed based operators can be a doorstep to the local community.
"If it's a CEO coming in to look at building a new plant here or buying a new business or building a new restaurant or any kind of economic activity, we want to make that first impression be lasting."
A longtime supporter of aviation in central Kentucky says general aviation facilities play a big role in advancing local economies. George Gumbert, who once sat on the board at Bluegrass Airport, attended Wednesday's ribbon. He says this facility can serve a lot of company executives.
"Most companies have factories in small cities smaller cities, medium sized cities that don't have airline service. So we just want people to know what business aviation is and what it does for the business world."
Under the terms of the lease agreement, the improved terminal and hangar will be turned over to the airport in 20 years. TAC Air's investment in those facilities amount to $11-million.