VINEMONT, Ala. – Cullman Regional Airport officials on Thursday, Aug. 8, ceremoniously “broke ground” on a major renovation of its terminal apron and new hangars. An additional $1 million to help fund the renovation of the local airport and north Alabama’s only drop zone was also announced at the accompanying press conference, thanks to a grant from the Alabama Department of Community and Economic Affairs (ADECA).
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said, “Y’all have one of the most diverse industry backgrounds that I’ve seen throughout the state – to add another tool in the toolbox, especially when you are so close to Huntsville and those opportunities.”
The grant will help fund the airport’s ongoing improvements, which have been underway for the last decade. Since 2014, Cullman Regional Airport has been steadily improving its facilities and infrastructure. Taxiways and the runway have been rebuilt, and now the airport is ready to tackle the largest project yet with the terminal apron expansion and new hangars.
“Since 2014 to right now, every single project that we’ve put in play has been accomplished,” said Cullman Regional Airport Director Ben Harrison. “Everything that we have done has been for the growing or rebuilding of the airport.”
The renovations aim to make CRA a premier regional airport, offering clients who fly in a full sense of autonomy with their aircraft. Due to the airport’s current size, Harrison and the airport staff often have to be hands-on with maneuvering aircraft and arranging them inside hangars or designated areas. The soon-to-be-added space will ensure that each aircraft’s owner or operator can navigate themselves without the help of airport staff.
Harrison said, “I know that doesn’t seem like much to you all, but the less we have to touch on these very expensive jets, the less opportunity we have to damage very expensive jets.”
Martin Aviation, a jet, turbine and piston maintenance facility in Scottsboro, has decided to expand its reach into Cullman. Soon, the maintenance facility will break ground on its own service hangar. Martin Aviation’s new wing will offer Cullman Regional Airport pilots avionics and engine installation, paint booth services, maintenance tracking and detailing services.
“About 12 years ago, my wife and I became frequent visitors at the Cullman airport and we often talked about how beautiful Cullman was and how it could be an excellent place to live and raise a family,” Chris Martin, owner and director of maintenance at Martin Aviation, said. “I’m excited and blessed to announce that we have been given the opportunity to do our part to grow the community by expanding our aircraft maintenance business to the Cullman airport.”
Martin acknowledged Wallace State Community College and its Aviation and Flight Technology programs, mentioning that the expansion of Martin Aviation into Cullman will give WSCC students and graduates the ability to witness their chosen line of work in a real-world setting and give them the tools to use their certificates or degrees in the place they call home.
After addressing and thanking the officials present, WSCC President Dr. Vicki Karolewics said, “Wallace State is honored to be your partner in training the aviation workforce. We have pilots working all over the United States; they’re even flying 757s and 767s internationally for major airlines. As our airport grows, we are grateful to support your growth, and we certainly want to do all in our power to increase the number of Alabamians who are interested in pursuing careers in aviation.”
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