Originally published in 2019
By Bill Oliver
WTAW Radio
The first significant investment in general and corporate aviation at Easterwood Airport in 72 years is now open.
The Texas A&M system and its airport operator, Astin Aviation, recently held a grand opening at its new fixed based operations (FBO) terminal.
Astin CEO John Clanton says the 8,000 square foot FBO terminal and a new 40,000 square foot hangar serves everyone who doesn’t fly commercial.
That includes general, corporate, and military aircraft pilots and passengers.
Last year, The Texas A&M University System, along with its aviation partner Astin Aviation, broke ground on a new general aviation terminal and hangar project at Easterwood Airport as part of a greater $15 million airport renovation project.
The new Fixed Base Operations terminal, or FBO, now has 8,000 square feet of passenger, pilot, flight planning and conference space capable of supporting the ever increasing volume of aviation activity.
The new hangar has 40,000 square feet of aircraft storage space capable of accommodating the largest corporate aircraft. The two facilities represent the first significant investment in general/corporate aviation improvements to the airport since 1946.
In the long tradition of supporting our armed services, the renovation project also includes a rapid refueling station for military helicopters and a crew briefing facility for military flight training.
Together, these new facilities position Easterwood Airport and The Texas A&M University System at the forefront of general, corporate and military aviation support.
The Texas A&M University System owns Easterwood Airport, which is named in honor of Lt. Jesse Easterwood, a former A&M student and a U.S. Naval aviator during World War I.
Astin Aviation, a local company, has operated the FBO since 2014, and it is committed a minimum of $7 million in improvements and upgrades to the airport.
This story originally appeared on the WTAW website on August 21, 2018.
Astin Aviation Photo
