Runways At Asheville Airport: How Many Does It Have?

The Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina is a single-runway airport. The runway is 8,002 feet long and 150 feet wide. The airport has been undergoing a multi-phase renovation and expansion since 2014, with the new runway entering service in 2020. The project, called Project SOAR, involved replacing the existing runway, which was over 50 years old, and adding a taxiway. The airport has seen steady growth in passenger traffic and aims to accommodate this with improved infrastructure.

The airport's runway replacement project, Project SOAR

The Asheville Regional Airport is a small-hub primary commercial service facility in North Carolina. The airport, which opened in 1961 with a 6500-foot runway, has undergone several expansion and renovation projects over the years to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and aircraft.

In 2014, the airport embarked on a significant improvement project called Project SOAR (Significant Opportunity for Aviation in our Region or Aviation & the Region). This project addressed the need to replace the existing runway, which was over 50 years old and did not meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. The total cost of the project was estimated at $64 million, with funding coming from FAA and N.C. DOT grants (83%) and airport funds (17%). No local tax funds were used.

Project SOAR was carefully planned due to AVL being a single-runway airport. Closing the airfield during construction was not feasible as it would disrupt airport operations and negatively impact the region. Hence, the project was divided into four phases over five years to facilitate the construction of a new runway while maintaining airport functionality.

Phase One (2014-2015) involved site preparation for a temporary runway and a west-side taxiway. This was followed by Phase Two, which included paving and electrical work for the temporary runway. Phase Three, the most critical stage, entailed demolishing the current runway and preparing the site for the new one. Safety was a top priority during this phase, with much of the work occurring overnight to minimise risks to passengers and workers. Phase Four was divided into two parts: paving and electrical work for the new runway, and the installation of Navaids and the conversion of the temporary runway into a permanent west-side taxiway.

The new runway entered service on November 5, 2020, marking the completion of Project SOAR. This project ensures that the airport can continue to serve the region's aviation needs for the next 50 years and accommodate potential growth in commercial and aeronautical operations.

The four construction phases of Project SOAR

Phase One (2014-2015): Site Preparation for Temporary Runway/West-Side Taxiway

This phase involved preparing the site for a temporary runway, which was necessary to keep the airport operational during the construction of the new permanent runway. The west-side taxiway was constructed and later converted into a permanent taxiway once the new runway was completed.

Phase Two: Paving and Electrical Work for Temporary Runway/West-Side Taxiway

The second phase focused on paving the temporary runway and installing airfield lighting. This phase took approximately one year to complete, with some work being done overnight to minimise disruptions.

Phase Three: Demolition of Current Runway and Site Preparation for New Runway

Once the temporary runway was operational, the current runway was demolished. This phase prioritised safety for both air passengers and construction workers, with much of the work occurring overnight. After the runway removal, the site preparation for the new runway commenced.

Phase Four: Paving and Electrical Work for New Runway, and Final Navaids Installation

In this final phase, paving and electrical work for the new permanent runway were completed. The last steps included installing Navaids on the new runway and converting the temporary runway into a permanent west-side taxiway connected to the new runway.

The challenges and delays faced during Project SOAR

Project SOAR (Significant Opportunity for Aviation in our Region) was a major airport improvement project at Asheville Regional Airport. The project faced several challenges and delays, which pushed the estimated completion date by several years and increased the cost by millions of dollars. Here is a more detailed overview of the challenges and delays encountered during Project SOAR:

Phase One Challenges:

The first challenge arose from the need to construct a temporary runway before the existing runway could be demolished and rebuilt. This was necessary because Asheville Regional Airport is a single-runway airport, and closing the airfield during construction was not a practical option. The temporary runway was constructed on the west side of the airfield and served as a runway for two years while the permanent runway was being built. This phase was completed between 2014 and 2015.

Phase Two Challenges:

The second phase involved paving and electrical work for the temporary runway/west-side taxiway. Some of the work had to be done at night, which required overnight closures of the airfield. This phase lasted for about a year.

Phase Three Challenges:

The third phase involved the demolition of the current runway and site preparation for the new runway. This work also had to be done during overnight hours to maintain the highest level of safety for both air passengers and construction workers.

Phase Four Challenges and Delays:

The final phase of Project SOAR encountered significant challenges and delays. The paving contractor, Cedar Peaks Enterprises, encountered problems and delays in their work, which led to the termination of their contract in 2017. This caused a delay in the project timeline and contributed to the increased cost of the project. Additionally, there were concerns about safety and increased runway incursions during the construction period. Pilots reported issues with taxiway configurations, faded markings in the construction area, and a lack of input from air traffic control. These factors contributed to a total of 43 runway incursions at the airport since the construction began, a significant increase from the five incursions reported in the five years before the project.

The original estimated completion date for Project SOAR was late 2017 or early 2018, with a projected cost of $75-80 million. However, due to the challenges and delays encountered, the project timeline and budget were significantly impacted. The airport spokesperson, in an email response, stated that they were hoping to finish the project in 2020, with an estimated total cost of $115 million. This reflects a delay of several years and a cost increase of over $35 million from the original estimates.

The impact of Project SOAR on airlines and passengers

The Asheville Regional Airport is undergoing significant changes as part of Project SOAR (Significant Opportunity for Aviation in our Region). This project involves a range of improvements, including replacing the existing runway, which was over 50 years old, and adding a taxiway. These changes are expected to have a notable impact on airlines and passengers using the airport.

One of the primary goals of Project SOAR is to enhance the airport's capacity and extend its lifespan. By reconstructing the runway and bringing it up to current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, the airport will be able to accommodate a wider range of aircraft. This improvement will provide more options for airlines and passengers, potentially attracting larger carriers and increasing flight options. The addition of a taxiway will also improve the efficiency of ground operations, reducing delays and enhancing the overall experience for travellers.

The impact of Project SOAR extends beyond the immediate improvements to the runway and taxiway. The project includes a multi-phase renovation and expansion of the terminal building, increasing its size by 150% and adding more gates. This expansion will not only improve passenger comfort and convenience but also provide opportunities for additional airlines to operate at the airport. The increased capacity and improved facilities will likely attract new carriers, providing passengers with more choices and potentially lowering airfares due to increased competition.

Furthermore, Project SOAR is expected to have a positive economic impact on the region. By making the airport more attractive to commercial companies, aeronautical businesses, and cargo haulers, the project will contribute to the local economy and create more jobs. This, in turn, can lead to an increase in passenger traffic as more people choose to fly into and out of Asheville Regional Airport. The improved infrastructure and expanded facilities will enhance the airport's reputation, potentially elevating its status in the region.

While the immediate impact of Project SOAR is focused on enhancing the airport's infrastructure, the long-term effects will be felt by airlines and passengers alike. The improved runway and taxiway will provide safer and more efficient operations, while the expanded terminal will offer increased comfort and convenience. Additionally, the economic benefits of the project will likely result in more flight options and competitive airfares for passengers. Overall, Project SOAR is expected to have a positive and transformative effect on the aviation landscape in the region.

The future of Asheville Regional Airport

Asheville Regional Airport is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion project, with a focus on improving infrastructure and increasing capacity to meet the growing demand for air travel in the region. The airport has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic over the years, with a record number of 2,246,411 passengers served in 2023, reflecting a 22.2% increase from the previous year. To accommodate this growth and enhance the airport's functionality, several development projects are underway or planned for the coming years.

One of the most significant undertakings is the replacement of the existing runway, which was installed over 50 years ago and had reached the end of its useful life. This project, known as Project SOAR (Significant Opportunity for Aviation in our Region), involves a complex four-phase construction process due to the airport's single-runway configuration. A temporary runway was built to the west of the existing runway to enable aviation operations to continue during the construction of the new permanent runway. The new runway, which entered service on November 5, 2020, boasts modern features and complies with current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.

In addition to the runway replacement, Asheville Regional Airport is also undergoing a multi-phase renovation and expansion of its terminal building. The project includes the construction of a new terminal with 12 gates, offering 150% more space than the current facility. The expanded terminal will feature two storeys, jet bridges, and improved passenger amenities. The project also encompasses the construction of a new air traffic control tower, standing at a height of 127 feet. The total cost of these upgrades is estimated at $400 million, with $175 million in bonds approved by the state treasurer.

The airport is also making improvements to enhance its appeal to commercial companies, particularly those in the aerospace and aeronautical industries. The addition of about 36 usable acres, coupled with the construction of a new taxiway, will make the airport more attractive to businesses looking to expand or relocate. Airport officials anticipate that these developments will boost economic growth in the region and increase the prospect of bringing in commercial enterprises.

While the ongoing projects at Asheville Regional Airport are expected to enhance its functionality and capacity, there have been challenges along the way. The runway replacement project, in particular, has faced delays and increased costs. Originally scheduled for completion in late 2017 or early 2018, the project timeline was extended due to issues with the paving contractor, Cedar Peaks Enterprises, whose contract was ultimately terminated. As a result, the total cost of the project is now estimated to be $115 million, significantly higher than the initial estimate of $75-80 million.

Despite the challenges, Asheville Regional Airport is forging ahead with its expansion plans, aiming to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and enhance its role as a gateway to the region. With a focus on infrastructure development, improved facilities, and economic growth, the airport is poised to become an even more vital transportation hub for the community it serves.

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