Orangeburg Municipal Airport will celebrate South Carolina Aviation Week with an airport showcase today.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1811 Airport Road in Orangeburg.
“The city is proud to welcome legislators, community leaders and citizens to the airport to celebrate the impact our airport and the aviation industry make on Orangeburg,” City Administrator John Yow said. “With the support and cooperation of our elected officials and local citizens, Orangeburg Municipal Airport continues to thrive and welcome new tenants.”
The event will celebrate the economic impact the airport makes on the city, county and state.
The showcase will recognize legislators for their support of the airport’s pavement rejuvenation project.
The facility sees close to 8,000 visitors a year who travel into and out of the region.
According to a 2018 Economic Impact Study performed by South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, a high percentage of operations at Orangeburg Municipal airport are business related.
U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, R-Lexington; state Sen. John Matthews, D-Bowman; state Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, and state Rep. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews, are confirmed to attend the event.
Owned by the City of Orangeburg, OMA is home to a number of corporate and private aircraft.
Two runways serve piston and jet aircraft.
Fuel services are available around the clock, and pilots have access to satellite weather, wireless internet and a courtesy car.
Orangeburg has become somewhat of a minihub for the aerospace industry.
The county has four aerospace manufacturers: Sigmatex, GKN I, GKN II and Zeus Industrial Products.
“Orangeburg County is experiencing substantial industrial growth and development,” said Gregg Robinson, executive director of Orangeburg County Development Commission. “With a number aerospace industry partners located in the county, proximity to major markets and some of the lowest corporate income tax and utility rates in the Southeast and the nation, we expect to enjoy continued expansion.”
“Location matters and South Carolina offers a significant advantage,” Robinson said.
South Carolina Aviation Week is a statewide celebration of the economic and education impact of airports and the aviation industry.
Celebrated Aug. 18-24, and centered around National Aviation Day on Aug. 19, Aviation Week is planned in partnership with the South Carolina Aviation Association and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission.
SCAA actively promotes and encourages aviation and airport development to meet air transportation needs and assist the state in achieving economic development goals.
Its membership is comprised of airports and aviators across South Carolina, as well as aviation industry partners.