Jet fuel sales soar as Foothills Airport launches capital projects

Record jet fuel sales, high hangar demand, and $8.6 million in reserves are positioning Foothills Regional Airport for its biggest expansion yet, airport leaders reported this week.

The Foothills Regional Airport Authority met Wednesday, Aug. 27, to review finances, fuel sales, and progress on major capital projects.

Norm Sherwood, Airport Authority board accountant, reported that operating revenues for fiscal year 2025 reached $719,000, up from $633,000 the year before. Net income, excluding grants and capital expenses, came in at $87,000, about $5,000 higher than last year.

Recent county ad valorem tax contributions totaling $44,000 boosted year-end figures, and cash reserves across all accounts stood at roughly $8.6 million. Sherwood also emphasized that the airport’s Capital Management Trust account has generated about $386,000 in interest since the end of 2024.

“We’re starting the new fiscal year on very solid footing,” Sherwood said.

Assistant airport manager Derek Brown shared with the board that Jet A sales soared 38% over the past year, making the 2024-25 financial year the airport’s best year ever for jet fuel sales. The 96,000 gallons pumped shattered a previous record set a decade ago by 18,000 gallons.

July sales signaled a strong start to the 2025-26 financial year, according to Brown. Jet A sales at the airport were down 6% compared to last July, which Brown reaffirmed was a record-breaking year for fuel sales.

“I just wanted to point out the good job these guys are doing,” Sherwood said. “We pumped 96,000 gallons of jet fuel and over 33,000 gallons of AvGas (aviation gasoline) this year, and when we adjusted the inventory, we were actually up. These guys have done a phenomenal job in record-keeping and handling several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of fuel. Especially with as hectic as last fall had been, it really shows.”

The demand for hangar space at the Foothills regional airport remains high. Brown noted that 82 non-homebase pilots are waitlisted for space and 15 pilots based at the airport are seeking upgraded space.

The Airport Authority’s engineering consultant, Pat Turney, updated the board that the taxiway extension project will be advertised for bids beginning Aug. 30. A pre-bid meeting is set for Sept. 17, with bids due Oct. 7. Work could begin before year’s end if weather allows.

Turney also shared that site prep for the new eight-unit T-hangar building is well underway, with grading expected to wrap up in October. Final building plans are headed to Caldwell County this week, with construction bidding expected soon after.

The board also discussed the continued illegal dumping of trash along Dogwood Vista and Antioch Church roads. Airport staff have taken proactive steps, placing signs and cameras in the area, and Burke County contractors are assisting with cleanup.

Foothills Airport will again partner with the Burke and Caldwell chambers of commerce to host Business @ the Border networking event from 4:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23.