Huntsville International Airport in Alabama wrapped up a nine-month improvement project that saw the reopening of 10,000-foot Runway 18L/36R and adjacent taxiways after they were strengthened and their paved shoulders widened. The $16.5 million construction effort–which also included upgrades to LED lighting and signage–was financed mostly by an FAA discretionary fund grant. Intended to allow the airport to support Group VI aircraft such as the 747-8 freighters operated by cargo hauler Panalpina, the project came on the heels of a similar year-long $30 million upgrade to 12,600-foot Runway 18R/36L, completed in July 2013.
“We have a 10-year plan for total investments of $85 million to our runways and taxiways, because it is critical for our region’s economy and to stay competitive in the global marketplace,” said Huntsville Madison County Airport Authority chairman Mark McDaniel.
