Aviation View | Volume 2, Issue 1

63 AVIATION VIEW VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 debit card kiosk system – the QTPod 4000 – and can dispense both 100LL and Jet A fuels (single point and overwing). The system is equipped with safety features such as double-walled fuel tanks, secondary containment, railed catwalks, emergency shutoff switch, 911 emergency call out telephone, a rolling safety stand, an environmental fuel spill kit, and redundant fuel overfill / cutoff protection systems. Another big asset at the airport, Bass Aviation has recently acquired AirCare Aircraft Maintenance Services and offers the only combined Cessna, Cirrus and Beechcraft warranty service center in North Carolina. COVID-19 has impacted air traffic and regional airport facilities across the country in many ways. Surprisingly, there have been a lot of optimistic results, including the numbers at RWI. According to Viventi, “RWI has actually grown in operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, we have had to hire additional staff in order to handle the increased traffic demand.” Regional airports, overall, provide significant benefits to economic development in the communities where they are located. Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport is now one of the biggest economic generators in its region, contributing significant economic output in 2019, which according to the North Carolina Dept. of Transportation included: 450 Jobs $26,400,000 Personal Income $2,861,000 State and Local Taxes $70,500,000 Economic Output Building relationships is a key part of operating a successful airport like RWI. Viventi acknowledges two of those very special partnerships, noting, “Standard Insurance has been a great partner of ours for over 30 years, providing us with personal treatment and expert advice with all of our policy needs. Metro Aviation is our number one customer and a vital part of our community providing 24/7 emergency medical air lift capability to our hospital networks here in Eastern NC.” As for how he envisions the future of the airport going forward, Viventi says that there are two main focuses, it’s just a matter of finding the dollars to accomplish them. In that regard, he shares, “We are actively lobbying for additional funding to accommodate our preliminary plans to build more corporate hangars and a new state-of-the-art terminal area project.” Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport is indeed a place where all your aviation needs are met. Dion Viventi and his team invite you to, “Come visit us for the exceptional service and friendly atmosphere. Feel free to stay and make RWI your aviation home.” Don’t worry. We’re ready. ROCKY MOUNT-WI LSON REGIONAL A I RPORT