Page 38 - Athens New Comers Guide 2020

Athens- Ben Epps Airport

“The airport is Poised for Growth

a hidden gem.”
Airport Director, Mike Mathews

- Athens Chamber President David Bradley

By Teresa Greer
P ositioned to the east of The numbers illustrate the airport’s Airport director Mike Mathews

downtown Athens is a
value to the Athens community. An
said it is important for residents to
powerful economic driver
in September 2020 shows:
that, almost quite literally, flies under economic impact statement released understand the “trickle down effect”
the airport has. When people fly in, “if
the radar. Owned by Athens-Clarke they go downtown, they’re spending
County Unified Government and money at hotels and restaurants…. It’s
home to Georgia’s first aviator, Ben • $27.8 million annual economic impact a benefit to all.”
Epps, Athens-Ben Epps Airport (FAA • $17.8 million annual spending within the community
Identifier AHN) was established in 1919 Indeed, in September 2019 when the
as the first civilian airport in the state. • $10 million annual payroll Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Notre
• $1.2 million airport-supported annual state and local Dame Fighting Irish 23-17, the airport
Today, AHN is a public-use airport sales and income tax revenues recorded 600+ takeoffs, sold more
with two runways, the longest at 6,122 than 30,000 gallons of fuel, and saw
feet. It also has an air traffic control • 470,500 gallons of fuel sold more than 120 planes parked.
tower, aircraft rescue and firefighting • 51,623 annual visitors
equipment, a modern commercial Mathews and the six-member Airport
passenger terminal, general aviation • 40,250 annual aircraft operations Authority have taken on the task of
terminal, full services and amenities • 332 jobs supported growing the airport in two important
to accommodate nearly any aircraft, • 95 aircraft based on the field ways, improving AHN’s infrastructure,
and space to expand and improve and bringing commercial passenger
its facilities. • 100% of T-hangars leased service back to Athens.

34 Athens-Ben Epps Airport Athens Area Chamber of Commerce • www.athensga.com • (706) 549-6800