PHF Airport Charts Bold New Course as Air Commerce Park
City invests in strategic transformation to position airport as regional innovation and logistics hub
The City of Newport News and the Peninsula Airport Commission have unveiled a strategic transformation plan for the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport (PHF), setting a bold new course that reimagines the regional facility as a future-focused Air Commerce Park. Backed by a $4 million investment from City Council and $6 million in federal support, the initiative aims to pivot PHF from struggling commercial passenger service to a dynamic hub for logistics, cargo, advanced air mobility, and aerospace innovation.
"This investment reflects our commitment to building a 21st-century economy,” said Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones. “By transforming PHF into an Air Commerce Park, we’re positioning Newport News as a hub for innovation, logistics, and advanced mobility. This effort will complement the cutting-edge work at Jefferson Lab and the strength of our shipbuilding industry, creating high-demand jobs and driving long-term regional growth.”
A Data-Driven Shift
The transformation is grounded in findings from a comprehensive Hampton Roads Air Market Study, which confirmed long-standing challenges with traditional commercial service at PHF due to airline consolidation, route optimization, and shifting technological trends. The study recommends diversifying PHF’s aviation activities to include cargo logistics, aircraft manufacturing, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) systems—emerging sectors where the region has natural advantages.
Newport News’ $4 million contribution includes $3 million to cover operational needs and up to $1 million for capital projects aligned with the airport’s new direction. The City Council authorized this as part of a broader $23 million budget amendment to support transformative local development projects.
In parallel, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine helped secure $6 million in federal funding for the reconstruction of 6,500 feet of taxiways—key infrastructure for supporting increased cargo and industrial activity at PHF.
Revitalizing a Regional Asset
PHF has long been viewed as a vital, yet underutilized, economic asset in the Hampton Roads region. Following years of commercial flight losses and ongoing financial struggles—operating at a loss for 16 of 17 months through late 2023—the new vision seeks to reverse course by catalyzing growth in high-tech, high-wage sectors.
Lindsey Carney, Chair of the Peninsula Airport Commission, said the transformation is about more than revitalizing an airport. “We are focused on attracting forward-thinking partners who see the airport as a launchpad for innovation and high-tech workforce development,” Carney said.
Planning for the Future
The Air Commerce Park vision will be guided in part by a forthcoming airport master plan—an FAA-required process that sets the development framework for the next 20 years. It will ensure land use planning, terminal improvements, and property development are aligned with future aviation trends, including the rise of autonomous aircraft and electric propulsion.
Strategic priorities include preserving current jobs, laying the groundwork for new positions in manufacturing and logistics, and supporting regional collaboration to make PHF a multimodal gateway.
Other PHF News: Interim Director Appointed to Lead Airport Transition
The City of Newport News and the Peninsula Airport Commission have appointed Chris Morello as Interim Executive Director of PHF. Morello, who currently serves as Assistant Director of the city’s Department of Development, will take on the new role during the airport’s transition period.
“I grew up in Newport News under the airport’s flight path, and stepping into this role is a privilege,” said Morello. “The airport is a unique and valuable regional asset, and I am committed to helping it reach its full economic potential.”
With over 28 years of public service experience, Morello brings deep knowledge in economic development and industrial site planning. His leadership is expected to provide continuity while implementing key recommendations from the airport study and master plan process.
Morello will serve in the interim position until a permanent executive director is selected.
A Newport News Daily contributor produced this post with AI tools and these primary sources:
City of Newport News and Peninsula Airport Commission Launch Strategic Transformation of PHF
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport - Master Plan
Hampton Roads Air Study
Interim Airport Director Appointed by City of Newport News and Peninsula Airport Commission
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