Moore County Airport to build two corporate hangers

On June 12, the Moore County Airport celebrated the groundbreaking of two new corporate aircraft hangars that will further strengthen the airport’s role as a regional business aviation hub and support economic investment throughout Moore County.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the airport, brought together state and local elected officials, airport leaders, business representatives, and members of the aviation community to mark the beginning of construction on the new facilities. Upon completion, the hangars will be occupied by defense contractors Titan Echelon and AVA Technologies, two growing firms whose work supports national security, aerospace, technology development, and specialized government operations. Their investment further reinforces Moore County Airport’s reputation as a strategic location for aviation and defense-related businesses.

The project represents another significant milestone in the airport’s ongoing expansion efforts, which include additional hangar development, construction of a new Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal building, and continued work toward the return of commercial air service.

The new corporate hangars and adjacent hangar infrastructure have been designed by SBS Sandhills Building Systems. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2027.

“Today’s groundbreaking represents another important step in the continued evolution of Moore County Airport as a critical transportation and economic asset for our region,” said Adam Kiker, Chairman of the Moore County Airport Authority. “The demand for aviation facilities continues to be strong, and these new corporate hangars will allow us to better serve the business community while creating additional opportunities for investment and economic activity. We are proud to welcome Titan Echelon and AVA Technologies to the airport and look forward to supporting their future investments.”

Ian Young, Titan Echelon’s Chief Growth Officer said, “Moore County Airport provides an ideal location for our aviation operations and future expansion plans. The airport’s vision, infrastructure investments, and commitment to supporting business growth made this an easy decision. We are excited to become part of the airport community and look forward to building a long-term presence in Moore County.”                 

Titan Echelon is a defense and national security contractor that provides specialized operational support, aviation services, training, logistics, and mission-focused solutions for government and commercial clients. The company supports a range of domestic and international programs requiring rapid deployment capabilities and secure aviation infrastructure. The new hangar facility at Moore County Airport will support the company’s continued growth and operational readiness requirements.

“We’re invested in Moore County and in the military and veteran community that call this region home,” said Thomas Klonk, Chief Executive Officer of AVA Technologies. “This new facility represents far more than a hangar, and it will serve as AVA Technologies’ headquarters, aviation operations hub, and systems integration center: a facility for developing, testing, and fielding operationally ready technologies that deliver capability on strategically relevant timelines. As we continue to grow our team and capabilities, Moore County Airport provides the ideal environment to support our long-term vision building advanced defense technologies, creating high-skilled jobs, and establishing a strategic location that will support our customers and national security missions for years to come.”

AVA Technologies is a veteran-owned, owner-funded defense and homeland security technology company focused on developing the foundational technology required to enable networked, autonomous, and synchronized effects across the modern battlespace. Built on a disciplined, mission-first culture shaped by operational experience, AVA works alongside warfighters and mission partners to solve real operational challenges and deliver mission-ready capability where and when it is needed most.

Natalie Hawkins, President of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership, emphasized the broader economic impact of the project.

“These new hangars represent much more than new buildings. They represent new opportunities for Moore County,” Hawkins said. “The investment being made by these companies will generate economic activity, create high-quality jobs, and contribute to our local tax base for years to come. Projects like this reinforce Moore County’s reputation as a premier destination for business investment and demonstrate the important role our airport plays in supporting economic development.”

Airport officials noted that the project continues a period of unprecedented growth at Moore County Airport. In recent years, the airport has experienced increasing demand for corporate aviation facilities, prompting additional infrastructure investments designed to support business aviation, attract new employers, and enhance services for pilots and visitors.

“Sandhills Building Systems has been an outstanding partner in helping us meet the growing demand for aviation facilities,” Kiker added. “Their experience and commitment to quality have been instrumental in several successful airport projects, and we are pleased to continue that partnership as we move forward with these new hangars.”

MOORE COUNTY AIRPORT

Established in 1929 by the Tufts family, founders and operators of the Pinehurst Resort, the Moore County Airport began as a single dirt runway known as Knollwood Airport. Acquired by Moore County in 1935, the airport served as a U.S. Army Air Corps training facility during World War II before transitioning to civilian aviation operations in 1945. The airport later supported commercial airline service through Piedmont Airlines (later USAir) until that service was discontinued following the events of September 11, 2001.

Today, Moore County Airport (KSOP) is a thriving general aviation jetport and an essential transportation and economic asset for the Sandhills region of North Carolina. Located just minutes from Pinehurst and Southern Pines, the airport serves as the “Gateway to the Home of American Golf,” welcoming visitors, business travelers, military personnel, and aviation enthusiasts from across the nation and around the world.

Owned by Moore County and operated by the Moore County Airport Authority, the airport’s mission is to be an engine of economic growth and opportunity for Moore County and the region through the delivery of exceptional aeronautical services and customer experiences. The airport supports a diverse mix of corporate aviation, private aircraft operations, military activity, flight training, aircraft maintenance, charter services, and aviation-related businesses.

As one of North Carolina’s leading general aviation airports, Moore County Airport generates more than $135 million in annual economic output and continues to invest in infrastructure improvements, new hangar development, terminal enhancements, and future air service opportunities to meet the growing needs of the community and its visitors. The airport remains committed to providing world-class facilities, southern hospitality, and a first-class arrival experience for all who travel through Moore County.

Connect with Moore County Airport:

Website: www.moorecountyairport.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/moorecountyairport

Instagram: www.instagram.com/moorecountyairport/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCVktedXWy4lybikKPy_um2w

June 12, 2026

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