Charleston's Growing "Jet Set"

Along with so many other upscale demographic indicators, general aviation in the Charleston area is taking off . . . literally and figuratively –

Like a lot of things in Mount Pleasant, the town’s airport is experiencing growing pains and plans are in the works to nearly double the capacity of its terminal by the end of the year.

“The goal is to modernize the facility and make it look like an appropriate gateway to the Mount Pleasant area,” said David Jennings, chairman of the Charleston County Aviation Authority.
The $600,000 expansion is in the design phase and will be an addition to the existing terminal, plus a new airport layout plan, Jennings said.

Jennings also said he has noticed the growing popularity of general aviation in the Lowcountry.

“Our traffic is increasing both at Mount Pleasant and at Charleston Executive Airport,” Jennings said. “Five years ago, I would not have thought that.”

Charleston Executive Airport on Johns Island is in the permitting process for a $1.3 million terminal that would replace the existing facility currently serving between 400 and 700 aircraft monthly.

The two airports have growth in common, although they serve different markets, Jennings said.

“Charleston Executive is getting a significant amount of jet traffic, and we attribute that to tourism, especially the opening of The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island,” he said. “The Sanctuary has become a favorite gathering place for corporate executives.”

Read the full Charleston Regional Business Journal article here: http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/pub/13_9/news/9249-1.html