Montgomery airport unveils new jetways and ramp expansion

The Montgomery Regional Airport's $6 million renovation includes new bridges and a terminal ramp expansion that airport officials say will accommodate larger planes and more flights.

The renovations include $3.9 million to replace and expand all passenger boarding bridges and $1.9 million for a terminal ramp expansion. The last phase of the project is expected to be complete in May.

“This is huge for future growth of the airport," said Wade Davis, executive director of the airport. He said the airport paid for the upgrades.

The old jet bridges were more than 20 years old. They are in working order but include narrower pathways that make boarding and deplaning more difficult.

The new bridges include LED lights and air conditioning. They've "still got that new car smell," Davis said.

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Tammy Knight-Fleming, airport board chairwoman, said she is excited for the updates at the airport.

"Most importantly, it’s about our safety and our security out here at MGM," Knight-Fleming said.

Matt Thomason, aviation planning leader for Goodwyn Mills Cawood, helped design and implement the new changes at the airport. “It just adds a higher level of safety and customer service," he said.

From conception to implementation, the project took seven months.

“We’re happy to help the airport in growing," Thomason said.

Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's public safety reporter. She can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or 479-926-9570.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery airport unveils new jetways and ramp expansion