Cleveland celebrates Cleveland Regional Jetport's 10 year anniversary
On Wednesday, Jan. 25, the Cleveland Regional Jetport celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Built under the administration of Mayor Emeritus Tom Rowland, this airport replaced the aging Hardwick Field, originally built in 1955. The jetport first opened its doors in 2013 and saw immediate success.
Hangar space at the new airport filled up quickly, with the new hangars accepting tenants on Dec. 17, 2013. According to Director Mark Fidler, a waiting list began piling up to the point where they could fill even more hangars, and still have a waiting list.
With the first ten years under the belt, Fidler has been looking to the next ten years.
Photo by Senior Photographer Riley Evans
Photo by Senior Photographer Riley Evans.
“We have a need for Customs and Border Protection here. Currently whenever an international flight comes in, we have to call CBP in Chattanooga,” said Fidler.
With more international traffic, it has become more than a simple inconvenience to not have a customs office in Cleveland. If a local customs office were to be set up, there would be less pre-planning required in order to receive an international flight. In turn, it would make the jetport even more convenient and desirable to clientele.
A newer airport is also a sign of economic growth for any given area. It expands access to businesses who invest in Bradley County. One year, the Whirlpool corporation even held their annual board of directors meeting in Cleveland, with many company executives flying into the jetport.
Photo by Senior Photographer Riley Evans
“I remember back when this was cow pasture. It’s nice to see this space generating revenue for the area,” said State Representative Dan Howell.
The jetport is located on 251 Dry Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312.
