Maine's Newest Airport Opens in Brunswick

Press Release

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree helped cut the ribbon for Maine's newest airport this afternoon--the Brunswick Executive Airport at the Brunswick Naval Air Station (BNAS.)

"The opening of the Brunswick Executive Airport is a critical step in the redevelopment of the base," Pingree said. "Already new jobs have been created and we can expect to see many more in the months and years ahead. Although it's sad to see the Navy leave Brunswick, there are some exciting opportunities ahead."

Although the base isn't slated to close completely until this fall, the Navy stopped using the runways last year and with today's ribbon cutting the airport will be open to the public for general aviation use.

Pingree talked about the economic impact that general aviation has in Maine, and the jobs she expects to be created in Brunswick in the future.

"General aviation already contributes over half a billion dollars to the Maine economy and supports over 400 jobs," Pingree said. "Kestrel Aircraft will probably add another 300 to that total right here in Brunswick."

Kestrel Aircraft has chosen the former Brunswick Naval Air Station to manufacture a new, high-end composite aircraft.

Pingree also said federal investment in BNAS is helping with the base redevelopment. She cited over $70 million in land and buildings that have been transferred to Southern Maine Community College. And thanks to legislation Pingree wrote, more real estate on the base is expected to be transferred to the local redevelopment authority at low or no-cost.

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