Venango Regional Airport is set to be showcased in Business View, and their industry publication, Aviation View Magazine. These publications focus on current industry trends and best practices. The spotlight will be on our airport’s diverse range of capabilities and services, catering to commercial, charter, business, and General Aviation needs. It will also highlight recent and upcoming capital improvements, such as the Terminal, Terminal Apron, and new fuel station projects. Additionally, it will emphasize the abundance of business and development opportunities, as well as our unique location in Northwestern Pennsylvania, which serves as a vital gateway for supporting business, four-season tourism, and economic development in Venango County. Strategic partners and suppliers have been vital to the success of the airport, and management is looking forward to sharing this success story with the world through these magazine publications.
Bill Buchna, the airport’s manager, shares that the airport continues to be an asset used by corporate and private pilots, for both commercial and personal use. The staff of 7 operates and maintains the facilities that sit on over 420 acres. Investment has continued over the years, even after the end of commercial air service that was available prior to 2019. While the airport is largely funded by state and federal grants, additional income, that serves as a required match, comes from hangar rentals and fuel sales.
More improvement projects are planned, including runway rehabilitations and renovation of a well-used storage building. The continued commitment to maintaining the airports infrastructure has insured that it remains commercially certified by the FAA, meeting the standards for commercial service, should the opportunity present itself in the future.
The airport actively engages the community with its annual Wings and Wheels event held in August. Additionally, it offers shuttle services to downtown Franklin for visitors flying in during the upcoming Applefest weekend.
The airport is also home to the County’s recycling center and to Primo Barone’s Restaurant.
We will be sharing more information about the recycling center and its services in our new series on the Venango County Planning Commission. For upcoming recycling center events such as electronics, hazardous waste, or tire disposal, visit co.venango.pa.us/278/Recycling.
Primo’s opened at the airport location in 1994 and will celebrate 30 years of business next year. Owner Giuseppe Barone reflects on the years as very successful, due to committed local customers who return often. Giuseppe works in the business every day, managing all operations, including cooking. He remarks that his many years of experience, including several years before opening Primo’s, has been his salvation through rough times. He is joined in the business by his wife Lydia. They look forward to eventual retirement and are open to finding an enthusiastic successor who would like to carry on the restaurant.
With the holidays approaching, Giuseppe reminds us that now is the time to make reservations for parties and celebrations for the following months. The 135 seat dining room is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The County’s investment in the airport facility has ensured that this property remains relevant in our community and ready to house additional business and services. If you haven’t done so lately, make a plan to visit the Venango Regional Airport!
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s October 2023 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.