The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) has unveiled Skyport Aviation as the new FBO for Hawkins Field airport (HKS) in Jackson, Mississippi during a recent well-attended press conference held on the steps of Hawkins Field.

The milestone event featured remarks from Rosa Beckett, JMAA chief executive officer; Warren Herring, JMAA board chairman; Mayor John Horhn, City of Jackson; and Andy Ochalek, vice president of Skyport Aviation. Following the press conference, Mayor Horhn, JMAA leadership and the Skyport Aviation team came together for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, sealing the partnership with a symbolic clip of blue ribbon.

This new partnership represents a pivotal moment in advancing corporate and general aviation operations in Jackson and expanding economic and business opportunities at HKS. Leaders from both organisations shared their vision, outlined future enhancements and highlighted the airport's historic role in Mississippi aviation.

“Hawkins Field is a major asset for us. If you look around, you see that we are right next door to an industrial park, one that is on the upswing. When you think about Hawkins Field, you have to think about the value of its fixed-base operations. Skyport is one of the best operators in the country,” says Mayor John Horhn.

“We're extremely excited about the addition of Skyport Aviation as our fixed-base operator,” adds Warren Herring, JMAA board chairman. “We're excited about the improvements that are continually being made to both Hawkins and JAN.”

“Hawkins Field plays a critical role in the authority's airport system and its ability to deliver aviation infrastructure and facilities to Jackson and central Mississippi,” comments Rosa Beckett, JMAA CEO. “Having a strategic partner like Skyport allows organisations like JMAA to utilise its highly skilled staff resources across its systems while benefiting from the expertise of an organisation that specialises in its field, supporting a higher quality of services to its airport users. Jackson and central Mississippi deserve an enhanced experience when folks fly to and through HKS, and Skyport will provide that.”

“We gather to celebrate not just the opening of this new space, but the vision and hard work that made this possible,” remarks Andy Ochalek, Skyport Aviation vice president. “This project is about six years in the making. Thank you to our partners at JMAA, to our Skyport Hawkins team. Hawkins Field is the gateway to Jackson, Mississippi and represents a fresh start in a new world of opportunities.”

Having committed approximately $4 million toward enhancing the airport's facilities, Skyport Aviation has already made strategic improvements to the terminal and facilities, with more upgrades planned to create a premier gateway for business and leisure aviation customers.

Hawkins Field, Jackson's historic first airport where Delta Air Lines' first commercial flight took place in 1929, now serves as the city's general aviation airport. It is home to PHI Air Medical and Pafford Air Medical, providing emergency coverage across Mississippi and eastern Louisiana, and connecting to Jackson's leading urgent and specialty care hospitals.

The Mississippi Army National Guard's 185th Aviation Brigade operates from HKS, housing numerous Blackhawk helicopters and supporting essential military missions.

HKS handles up to 21,000 flight operations annually and plays a critical role in serving Jackson's metro area and central Mississippi. Strategically located just minutes from downtown, it is Jackson's true “Downtown Destination” for corporate and general aviation.

This is not just an investment in aviation; it's an investment in economic growth, emergency response, military readiness and business accessibility for the entire region.