News Summary
Lancaster County, South Carolina, has opened a new airport terminal at McWhirter Field, costing $7.2 million. The new facility replaces a 50-year-old terminal and aims to bolster economic development by attracting businesses. The terminal features modern amenities and supports corporate travel, with over 9,000 annual flight operations highlighting its significance in the region’s commerce landscape. This facility is pivotal for local employers and medical services, signaling Lancaster’s commitment to growth and investment.
Lancaster County, South Carolina has officially opened a new airport terminal at McWhirter Field, with a construction cost of $7.2 million, aimed at enhancing the region’s economic development and making it more attractive to business leaders. This development comes after extensive planning, beginning in 2010, to replace the original terminal, which had served the community for over 50 years.
The new terminal is a part of Lancaster County’s strategic efforts to respond to corporate executives’ interests in having accessible air travel options nearby. This is particularly important for attracting executives traveling from major cities, including Detroit, London, and locations in Germany. The county’s economic development director has highlighted the significance of the airport in elevating Lancaster’s appeal as a destination for potential investments.
The inaugural event attracted approximately 100 local officials, dignitaries, pilots, and business leaders, signifying the community’s investment in its infrastructural growth. McWhirter Field, a small regional airport, primarily accommodates private aircraft and does not host large commercial airlines. However, it plays a crucial role in corporate travel for influential business figures, influencing decisions on where companies choose to invest or locate their headquarters.
In recent years, McWhirter Field has been increasingly utilized by prominent employers such as Nutramax Laboratories and Haile Gold Mine for corporate flights. The airport is also essential for medical services, being used by the Medical University of South Carolina for its helicopter medical evacuation operations. It has the necessary facilities to accommodate large private aircraft, including models such as Gulfstream jets.
McWhirter Field has demonstrated significant growth since 2018, when it recorded nearly 4,600 arrivals. The airport now observes over 9,000 annual flight operations, primarily attributed to business-related travel. The economic impact of the airport is substantial, with more than 40 based aircraft generating approximately $4.5 million each year through direct operations and visitor spending. Additionally, the airport contributes in excess of $200,000 annually in state and local taxes.
The history of air travel in Lancaster County began with the establishment of the original airfield in 1934. This facility has evolved from its dirt-strip roots to a dedicated airport officially opened in 1972. The construction of the new terminal was partially funded by federal grants, which covered nearly 50% of the total costs.
The new terminal lasts over 8,000 square feet and features modern amenities, including skylight windows, a pilot lounge, waiting areas, a conference room, and an outdoor patio. The improvements are expected to support future growth, with discussions currently underway regarding the construction of new hangars and a comprehensive airport master plan to better meet an increasing demand for services.
Lancaster County has experienced rapid growth, now standing as the third-fastest growing county in South Carolina. McWhirter Field is poised to play a pivotal role in attracting businesses and investment, reflecting the county’s broader strategy for economic growth and development. With over 3,400 flights dedicated to private business travel, the airport remains a key component in the regional commerce infrastructure.
As the new terminal project is completed, local officials are also assessing the potential future uses of the old terminal building. The expansion of airport facilities demonstrates the community’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic vibrancy and opportunity in Lancaster County, signaling a promising future for both the region and its business landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Herald Online: New Airport Terminal Opening
- Wikipedia: Lancaster County, South Carolina
- WCNC: Lancaster County Airport New Terminal
- Google Search: Lancaster County Airport
- Lancaster Online: Airline Service Begins to Orlando
- Google News: Lancaster County Airport News
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
