Orange County took over as the Fixed Based Operator (FBO) of the county airport on July 1. The airfield had diminished use by local pilots during the time it was run by a commercial FBO. Activities at the airport have been on the increase since the county began operating the airport itself.
The airport is in Precinct Three County Commissioner John Gothia part of the county. He is excited about the county operating the airport. “Local businesses and industries are using our airport again,” Gothia reported.
During recent budget workshops Airport Supervisor Missy Pillsbury testified to the Commissioners Court there has been an increase in the number of aircraft and pilots using the airport since the county began running it. The county has lowered the price of aviation fuel at the airport since assuming the FBO for it which is bringing more activity to the airfield.
Gothia explained that it took a disaster for him to first see what an asset the airport is to Orange County. During Tropical Storm Harvey the only avenue available to get supplies, food, and people in and out of the county was by the airport.
The airport will continue to grow Gothia believes, and it will be a bigger resource for the county. “We’re not there yet, but we’re getting there,” Gothia concluded. The Orange County Airport is located on State Highway 87 between the cities of Orange and Bridge City.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
Social Media