ROCK HILL, S.C. — While Charlotte Douglas International Airport deals with delays and congestion, another airport in the area is thriving with growth.
The Rock Hill - York County Airport caters to private pilots, businesses and corporations. People can find million-dollar jets parked next to $50,000 smaller planes on the runway. Demand at the airport skyrocketed in the last decade, with annual economic activity growing from $6.5 million to $40.5 million in that time span.
Airport director Steven Gould said there are more than 100 planes on a waiting list for hangar space at the Rock Hill - York County Airport.
“The way it benefits the citizens is especially when it comes to economic development," Gould said. "When you have economic development come in, it provides jobs, improves quality of life.”
This summer, the airport hit a record-breaking milestone for jet traffic. During the Adidas 3SSB Basketball Youth Tournament, 34 jets came in within a three-hour period.
That same day, the airport pumped 6,661 gallons of jet fuel. In 2021, the airport broke a record for jet fuel pumped in a single year.
“Right now, we’re tracking to become the first airport in the state of South Carolina with over 200 based aircraft," Gould said.
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The airport is planning on adding about 50 hangars, including large hangars for corporate planes. Gould said the airport’s growth means more money going back into the community and fueling economic development.
“One of the questions that’s typically asked whenever a business or corporation is looking to move or relocate or expand is, you know, how close are you to an airport or do you have an airport because, at some point, they’re going to look to utilize that asset," Gould said.
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