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Norfolk International outlines $993 million development plan, says ORF is a 4‑star airport
Summary
Norfolk Airport Authority CEO Mark Perryman briefed the York County Board on ORF’s operations, calling it a four‑star airport with roughly $2.7 billion in regional economic impact, and described nearly $1 billion in capital projects including new gates, a consolidated rental‑car facility and an international arrivals facility.
Mark Perryman, president and chief executive officer of the Norfolk Airport Authority, told York County supervisors Jan. 20 that Norfolk International (ORF) has recorded multiple consecutive record years for traffic and is undertaking a multiyear capital program.
Perryman said the airport operates on an approximately $80 million annual operating budget and a capital program in the hundreds of millions; he described the authority’s current development program as ‘‘about $993,000,000’’ and said an economic‑impact study shows roughly $2.7 billion of economic activity generated by the airport and about 22,000 associated jobs. He also said ORF recently earned a four‑star Skytrax rating and is expanding nonstop destinations (citing San Juan and Cancun additions and noting Breeze Airways’ network contributions).
Perryman reviewed recently completed work at ORF (moving sidewalks reactivated, Runway 14‑32 closed after it could no longer accommodate commercial service, shoreline protection, interior wayfinding) and projects now underway or initiating: a consolidated rental‑car facility with on‑campus service and fueling, three additional gates on Concourse A, a new departures terminal layout (single curb and consolidated TSA checkpoint) and a new international arrivals facility for Customs and Border Protection. He said the airport is pursuing transatlantic service in coalition with regional partners and noted that federal funding and regional coordination are important to landing long‑haul routes.
Board members asked about surface access (including how completion of the HRBT tunnel might affect passenger flows), corporate aviation (Perryman said ORF has 88 based aircraft and about 40–50 corporate flights per day), and new operations tied to regional projects (he referenced helicopter service to offshore‑wind facilities). Perryman encouraged local governments and economic development partners to back transatlantic pursuits to demonstrate initial local market support for carriers.
Perryman said the airport’s capital program includes intersection and wayfinding improvements at the Norview gateway, a consolidated rental‑car center designed to reduce off‑site vehicle servicing, several gate and terminal enhancements and a concessions program emphasizing local operators. He concluded by inviting supervisors to review project materials online at transformorf.com and offered to take questions from the board and the public.
Why it matters: ORF’s capital program and route expansions have regional economic implications and will drive construction, local jobs and coordinated transport planning. The presentation flagged infrastructure and coordination needs — including surface access and interagency funding — that will affect local jurisdictions.
