A ribbon cutting and ceremonial first take off and landing has been held to celebrate the completion of the runway extension at Indianapolis Executive airport, the most significant project in the airport's history, achieved in collaboration with the Hamilton County Airport Authority, Hamilton County Commissioners and Council, the Indiana Department of Transportation and the FAA

The $15.2 million project supports the demand for aviation in the northern Indianapolis Metropolitan area, including the rapidly growing communities within Hamilton and Boone Counties. According to the FAA Traffic Flow Management System Counts, Indianapolis Executive airport is the fourth busiest non-towered general aviation airport for business traffic in the US.

"Our customers come from a diverse group of businesses and industries that provide essential services, products and jobs through agriculture, manufacturing and logistics, technology, retail, as well as financial services and real estate, to name but a few," says Sean White, EVP at airport FBO Jet Access. "The runway extension allows those businesses and industries a safer, more consistent and reliable access point in the many varying weather conditions we experience here in Indiana. The expanded infrastructure will continue to make Indy Exec airport a vital tool in the growth and economic development of the many communities it serves."

The runway is now the longest general aviation runway in central Indiana and will add a considerable level of safety for the more than 10,000 business flights that operate in and out on an annual basis.

The five year, phased extension project extended the runway from its original 5,500ft to 7,000ft. Construction was completed in multiple phases to allow the airport to remain operable for a majority of the project.

Airport director Sam Sachs says: "The Indianapolis Executive airport is proud to announce the completion of the most significant project in our 66 year history. This 1,500ft extension to our runway gives our customers access to one of the longest general aviation runways in Indiana, opening new destinations across the globe."