Chattanooga expands runway after first half's 240pc air cargo surge

CHATTANOOGA Metropolitan Airport, based in the south eastern corner of Tennessee, will extend its landing strip and runway in response to a 240 per cent year-on-year increase in cargo in the first half to 1.3 million pounds.

The first of two expansion plans is to cost its airport authority US$2.3 million of which 90 per cent will be financed through federal grant with the airport paying the rest.

The first phase is to extend the ramp 55 feet to the south and 90 feet to the east to be constructed by the lowest bidder, Thomas Brothers, at a cost of $1.98 million. Construction administration and engineering services goes to Allen & Hoshall Inc in a $339,000 contract.

The solid cargo growth is attributed to Amazon's fulfilment centre opened a year ago and through shipments of Volkswagen auto suppliers, said the airport which gains landing fees when cargo volume is up.

Airport president Terry Hart said the expansion was needed to support cargo and passenger volume growth, reported The Chattanooga Times Free Press, which added that passenger boardings increased 4.95 per cent in the first half.