HAYWARD, CA – The Hayward Executive Airport cut the ribbon on its long-awaited new administration building yesterday, an event that signals the airport’s growing profile in the region. The grand opening, held on Thursday, October 9 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., also served as an appreciation event for the airport’s many tenants. The actual building dedication took place at 1:00 p.m.
Meridian was proud to have several company representatives on-hand at the building dedication, including owners Ken and Susan Forester, Greg Johnson, the new Director of Business Development, and Jim Reyes from Charter Sales.
The Hayward Executive Airport is a popular executive aviation hub, running more than 100,000 flight operations last year alone. The new $3.97 million administration building, which was completed in roughly one year, replaces the former offices, which were shoehorned into a 1,700 sq. ft. space at the bottom of the control tower built in 1961.
The new facility, which employs a variety of green building components to save energy and reduce operating costs, features a weather briefing room, pilot lounge and a state-of-the-art meeting room. Non-profit aviation groups that had previously been relegated to meeting in airplane hangars will also enjoy the meeting space, which is equipped with high-end audio/visual equipment. The City’s Council Airport Committee will also shift its meetings to the new facility.
Aviation aficionados and curious members of the public will also enjoy an outdoor aircraft observation area with live traffic radio transmissions between controllers and pilots, as well as a variety of memorabilia displays celebrating the airport’s rich history.
The Hayward Executive Airport, which operates as a financially self-sufficient enterprise fund, generates 300 jobs and contributes $300 million to the local economy according to an independent study. The former WWII fighter jet base is currently home to about 40 businesses and more than 450 aircraft.
Meridian is a full-service private aviation company based at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ, with sales offices currently located at airports in Northern California, including Hayward, San Jose, and Santa Rosa. The company has plans to build a second FBO location at Hayward Executive Airport in the near future. Meridian has earned numerous industry awards and accolades for its exceptional service and high safety standards. Meridian owns and operates businesses that include Air Charter, Aircraft Management, Aircraft Maintenance, and a world-class Executive FBO.