Meridian Airport Authority
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Fly Meridian, Fly Home
Want to learn to fly? Take a trip around the world? Have your personal aircraft repaired? You can do it all at Key Field.
The Meridian Airport Authority owns and operates Key Field, the busiest airport in Mississippi (for takeoffs and landings). Key Field has the longest public use runway in Mississippi and is home to flying units of the Air and Army National Guard and over 50 private aircraft. It also sees significant use supporting flight training of the US Navy in Meridian and US Air Force in Columbus, MS.
Key Field opened in November, 1930 and managed as a small division within the City of Meridian government. In 1992 the City saw the wisdom of creating an independent airport authority to operate Key Field. This 5-member governing board is dedicated to growing and developing the airport in an entrepreneurial manner despite being a unit of government. This forward-thinking and creative board has grown the airport from just 4 employees in 1992 to over 60 employees and a 4 million dollar payroll in 2021. All without a single dollar of City or County funds.
Upon taking control of Key Field, the Meridian Airport Authority soon saw the need for revenue diversification. In 2004 the Authority began selling aircraft fuel to customers with the acquisition of Meridian Aviation. In 2009 the Authority acquired Dean Aircraft Service which maintains corporate aircraft. The revenue generated by these entities has provided a stable financial footing to fund facilities that could not have otherwise been built.
These companies under the umbrella of the Meridian Airport Authority cater to a wide array of businesses and people in the aviation industry. Each business has its own unique perspective, but all thrive on customer service and making people feel valued. Whether you are military, a private pilot, a business that owns a plane, or a commercial traveler, the Authority works to make your experience great. You can’t beat the $2 parking and you only have to be at the airport one hour prior to your flight! This is the advantage of a convenient, local airport essentially in your own backyard.
“The airport has a considerable impact on the economy in Meridian. Because people ‘Fly out of Meridian’, the airport can more effectively support the region. It’s nice to be able to give back to the community and be a part of Meridian as a whole. We are a member of the chamber because backing local businesses is more important now than ever and the chamber has always represented and encouraged the local community. East Mississippi needs an airline service, and we need to support our air service for it to remain a viable business going forward, just like other small businesses,” says Melissa Mathis, Creative Marketing Manager. “We realize it can be intimidating to fly and our customer service tries to take that factor away.”
One satisfied passenger said, “This is a small airport, but it is the best airport for that very reason with friendly TSA, friendly Airlines Reps, helpful, friendly flight and ground crews. Greatest airport in the U. S. From excellent staff to size, there is not one thing not to love about this airport.”
Fly Meridian, Fly Home
Meridian Airport Authority
2811 Airport Blvd. S, Meridian, MS