Aviation View Magazine | Volume 1, Issue 4

55 AVIATION VIEW VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4 the tarmac and into the community with events such as “Run the Runway”, where one runway is closed to facilitate a 5K race. Another popular event is the “Wings and Wheels” show where they bring out a variety of airplanes – anything from a Cessna to a Military Antique, as well as vehicles and cars. “We are involved in what’s called the Galaxy Community Council which is a support group for the Air Force Reserve Facility,” says Bolton, “it is an all volunteer group. Another interesting asset we can boast about is that the University of Massachusetts has an aviation research and training center here at the airport. They will be beginning a program in the winter semester and they have an air traffic control tower simulator and are looking to implement some sort of research, as well as air traffic control training.” Bolton acknowledges that a good part of Westover Airport’s success has been because of their relationship with the community and with the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, in particular. He reports, “It was founded in 1996 by my boss at the time, Allan Blair, and works with the state government and local community leaders. We came to realize that as individuals we were not able to have any influence. He organized the business leaders, whom were the movers and shakers in the area, created a regional EDC. And now so much more is possible.” The 2020-21 time frame has been hard for Westover. And this is not simply because of the global pandemic, but also because of a massive overhaul of their main runway. They have been rehabbing it since last summer, doing an 810,000-square-foot full depth replacement, as well as another 630,000 square feet of mill/ overlay. This project is to be completed in October 2021 and that should increase our traffic. “A major addition to the airport during this time has been the pilot-controlled lighting,” says Widor. “We used to only be able to operate when the air traffic control tower was open – from seven in the morning till 11 o’clock at night. Well, now that we have this new pilot-controlled lighting, we can now operate 24 hours a day, and that has allowed additional traffic to come through the airport and makes it more desirable for a variety of types of tenants. What we want to do is to start marketing the airport more aggressively and perhaps attract some air cargo facilities as well.” Bolton adds, “The next thing I would like to see is more maintenance facilities. We have the opportunity to grow this airport and if we can make it easier to maintain your aircraft it will be a big draw.” Keep moving toward your goals with HUB. When you partner with us, you’re at the center of a vast network of experts dedicated to advising you on how to prepare for the unexpected with: Business insurance and risk services to help protect your organization, brand and assets Employee benefits that help you navigate change, and support and engage your people Personal insurance to help you protect your Ready for Tomorrow Let’s protect what matters most to you. We’re here to help. Visit our COVID-19 Resource Center for critical updates, resources, business re-entry planning and local office information. 800-784-4873 hubinternational.com Risk & Insurance | Employee Benefits | Retirement & Private Wealth Retirement and Wealth Management to help streamline your retirement offerings HUB International’s Aviation Division has the experience and knowledge in this specialized field. We tailor your coverage, help to reduce overall insurance costs while providing the knowledge that your unique risk exposures are covered. WESTOVER A I RPORT