Smyrna Airport director outlines growth plans, runway projects and possible National Guard relocation

Evan Lester, executive director of the Smyrna Rutherford County Airport Authority, told the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners on May 15 that the airport’s FAA Part 139 certification, two runways and 1,700 acres make it a strategic economic asset for the county.

Lester said Smyrna is one of eight Tennessee airports with a Part 139 certification and one of three general‑aviation fields in the state authorized to accept unscheduled air carrier service. "We're only 1 of 8 airports in the state of Tennessee that have a Part 139 certification," he said.

Why it matters: Lester framed the airport as a local economic engine. He cited past impact studies showing about 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, roughly $92 million in payroll and more than $230 million in economic activity; he said those figures are several years old and that staff now estimate annual impact closer to $250–$300 million.

Lester outlined recent and near‑term capital work, including the recently completed Runway 11/9 reconstruction, a $13 million project funded mainly by the Tennessee Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division that reopened in April after 13 months of work. He said Runway 14/32 (the main 8,038‑foot runway) will require reconstruction across two construction seasons and that taxiway realignment and a modernized air‑traffic control tower are priorities. "We've been selected by the FAA as one of 20 airports to receive money to design a new tower," Lester said.

Lester also described business activity on the field: about 51 businesses located on airport property, full occupancy of on‑field facilities, and firms including Contour Airlines’ headquarters, fixed‑base operators Hollinshead Aviation and Azure Flight Support, and Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems. He said the airport has room for a planned 40‑acre development area, and the authority is seeking additional state and TVA funding to finish the site.

On potential new tenants, Lester said the Tennessee Air and Army National Guard are in conceptual discussions to relocate operations from Nashville International to a portion of Smyrna Airport property. He described a state study estimating the Guard's relocation could bring roughly 1,100 personnel and about $1.93 billion in county and town economic impact over time.

Community engagement and events were also highlighted: Lester noted roughly 500 students have visited the field for educational outreach, the Wings of Freedom fish fry and classic car event scheduled for Sept. 13 will return proceeds to community nonprofits, and a Tuskegee Airmen mobile display and a Blue Angels appearance are planned for the airport’s June air show.

The next steps: Lester invited questions from commissioners and said staff will pursue federal and state construction funding for tower modernization and runway work while continuing community outreach and tenant recruitment.