Wallace Pinder Airport previews runway extension, hangars and safety upgrades to attract business jets

Ben Jones, manager of Wallace Pinder Airport, told the Pender County Board of Commissioners April 30 that the airport has completed recent runway rehabilitation and lighting and is preparing for a runway extension project that would lengthen the runway from about 4,150 feet to roughly 5,500 feet. Jones said the longer runway would meet many business jets’ insurance minimums and allow aircraft to load more fuel locally, increasing fuel sales and tax revenue.

"We're going to be 5,500," Jones said. "Which means we meet the insurance minimum qualifications for the larger business jets." He described other near‑term needs tied to expansion: construction of T‑hangars (he said an initial block of about 22 T‑hangars and two larger corporate hangars is planned), a parallel taxiway for safety, a tug and eventually a fuel truck and ground power unit.

Jones reported operations rose from about 3,299 in 2021 to about 8,584 in a recent 12‑month period (he said 2025 would have been higher if the field had not closed for six weeks for runway rehab). He thanked the county for its ongoing block contribution and listed modest equipment needs the airport hopes to fund with grants and local support (bush hog, bird deterrent cannon, mowing and an additional part‑time employee).

Why it matters: a longer runway and improved facilities are intended to attract larger aircraft and business activity to the county; Jones said additional fuel sales and hangar rents would contribute to the local tax base. He also emphasized safety upgrades such as a parallel taxiway and LED runway lighting installed earlier.

What’s next: Jones asked commissioners to continue consideration of airport contributions and said the field will host a fly‑in June 20. No formal county action was recorded at the session.