The City of Albany has initiated an Airport Master Plan Update for the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (ABY) to ensure the airport continues to meet the needs of users and businesses in the region safely and efficiently. The airport master plan will evaluate existing airport conditions and forecast future aviation activity, which will serve as the basis for improvements to recommended facilities. The master plan will also analyze development alternatives to determine the most cost-effective and environmentally sensitive way to advance any recommended improvements. The master plan will identify short-, mid- and long-term development goals over the 20-year planning horizon and include an implementation plan with cost estimates.

“This master plan update allows us to focus on key airport service areas, including our commercial airline flights, cargo operations, and corporate and general aviation. It will also provide us with opportunities to identify potential sources of non-aeronautical revenues to help support airport operations,” said Albany Transportation Director David Hamilton.

The Airport Master Plan Update is a collaborative effort involving a wide range of stakeholders. The City, airport management, and national aviation consulting firm Jviation, a Woolpert Co., are leading the project. A project advisory committee and stakeholder and focus groups comprising over sixty members have been formed. These groups include representatives from City and County governments, DARTS MPO, Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, area chamber, visitor’s bureau and economic development representatives, Delta Airlines, United Parcel Service, USMC Logistics Base, and Albany State University, tenants and users of the airport, area businesses, and national aviation advocacy groups. These groups will meet periodically during the study period, which is scheduled to conclude in March 2024, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the master plan update.

The City is actively seeking input from all visitors and residents in the region through its online survey. This survey is a crucial part of the Airport Master Plan Update, as it helps gauge the effectiveness of commercial airline service and facilities at the airport. The survey, open until May 1, 2024, can be accessed at https://jviation.tfaforms.net/423843. To stay informed about the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport Master Plan update, visit the project website at http://abymasterplan.com. Citizen participation is vital in shaping the future of the airport.