Eastport airport community day celebrates new terminal

The inaugural Eastport Airport Community Day was celebrated by crowds who watched skydiving demonstrations, listened to music and speeches, and viewed a Black Hawk helicopter, vintage aircraft and classic cars, all under clear skies and amid a buoyant atmosphere. The June 14 event at the Eastport Municipal Airport marked the opening of the spacious, new terminal building, along with the completion of major upgrades, including a new runway and lighting and infrastructure improvements. The upgrades are part of a long-term plan to attract commercial flights to the airport.

In her remarks, U.S. Senator Susan Collins stated, "Eastport Municipal Airport helps connect Downeast Maine to the world. Just as important, and to the benefit of those not fortunate enough to live here, it connects the world to Downeast Maine. Maine's smaller airports are vital pieces of our state's infrastructure that promote job creation, tourism and economic development throughout the surrounding communities."

"For more than 80 years, Eastport and neighboring communities have worked to build this vital link," she stated, with the new terminal building helping to make those connections more secure and accommodating.

As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Collins has worked over the years to secure funding for the airport, with nearly $7 million in federal funding having been awarded to Eastport in 2019 and 2024. In addition, a recent Federal Aviation Administration grant of $150,821 will fund the rehabilitation of the existing parking area.

The new $1.12 million terminal, built by King Construction Services of Machias with Aviest Engineering of Woodland providing project management and engineering services, is a major step toward attracting commercial air service to Eastport, she noted. And having a courtesy car and so many volunteers helping with the airport "sends a message that Eastport welcomes visitors." She added, "This airport is evidence of the strong spirit that brings people together as a community for a brighter future."

In her remarks, State Senator Marianne Moore of Calais said the airport opens "the door to new possibilities," with the terminal project showing that "the most ambitious goals can become a reality." The new building provides a warm and ADA-compliant space for pilots and people who are traveling and "sets the stage for what's next" so that commuter air service can now be considered.

State Rep. Artie Mingo of Calais noted that the airport project will lead to "a more connected future for Eastport and surrounding communities" and provides "a chance to create a hub of opportunity." It will help bring more visitors and business opportunities and thus more jobs for the area, he said. "Welcome to an era of small-town America moving forward."

City council President Billy Boone noted that the council has supported the airport over the years and that many volunteers "have put their heart and soul into this airport." In particular he recognized Victoria Ganz and Chester Jenkins, along with all of the Eastport Airport Advisory Committee members and Airport Manager Peter Lehmann.

Ganz, the vice chair of the airport advisory committee, which organized the celebration, with Bob Chieffo putting it all together, outlined some the current developments at the airport. They include the building of three private hangars, breaking ground for a new taxi lane in July, the starting of flight lessons for a certified flight instructor who can then train people for obtaining a pilot license and exploring the formation of a Civil Air Patrol that would provide flight lessons for middle and high school students. "As you see, the airport is having a bit of a growth spurt," she noted.

Ganz thanked the local community in supporting the recent PALS benefit dinner at the WaCo Diner, which raised over $10,000 in donations for patient airlift services. Both PALS SkyHope and Angel Flight East provide free air transportation to patients who need to travel long distances for medical treatment. So far this year there have been 37 PALS flights from the Eastport airport. Ganz also expressed appreciation to Tessa Ftorek and the Eastport bakers who bring cookies, water and Raye's mustard to the volunteer pilots and patients. Gratitude was also extended to Ross Furman for loaning photographs of the first terminal building and aircraft at the airport in its early days.