Like many EBACE exhibitors, Morristown Municipal Airport (Booth No. 454) is here at EBACE encouraging aircraft operators traveling to the U.S. to try a different airport instead of the higher-profile ports of entry (POE). Morristown is a New Jersey suburb west of New York City, and its airport features a 5,999-foot ILS-served main runway, control tower, fire-and-rescue operation and a U.S. customs and immigration office to clear international travelers.

“What we’re trying to do,” said airport director Bill Barkhauer, “is reach out to decision makers either in corporate flight departments or charter companies, who decide what airport they’ll use when the aircraft flies from Europe. We think we have number of significant advantages that make us a good choice.”

Morristown Airport is under the 3,000-foot shelf of the New York Class B airspace and suffers fewer air traffic control delays compared to busier fields. “I’m not saying we never have any delays, but we have considerably fewer than Teterboro and Newark,” said Barkhauer.

There are two FBOs at Morristown Airport: a Signature Flight Support base and a private terminal called FTC FBO, which requires advance notice and charges “terminal fees” but sells jet fuel at very low prices. Both are Phillips 66 fuel dealers. The airport charges landing fees, but they are lower than at other New York-area airports, according to Barkhauer. Both FBOs offer hangar space.

The airport is owned by the city of Morristown but is operated privately by DM Airports, which signed a 99-year lease and operating agreement with the city in 1982. There remains some space that could be developed with new hangars. “We’re kind of approaching the build-out stage, but we’re not there yet,” said Barkhauer.

The past winter tested Morristown Airport’s highly experienced snow-removal experts. “Quite often when everybody else is closed, we’re open,” said Barkhauer. “I’m not saying we never close, but it does not happen often. We put a lot of effort into our snow and ice removal and winter operations. We work with our tenants and if they want to go at a certain time, we make sure the airfield is open and available for their use. We want them to know they can count on the airport being safe and open.”

The bottom line, Barkhauer said, “is that we think we’re an easier more user-friendly experience for people whose business takes them to the New York area. If we can get you to come in and try Morristown once, there’s very good chance you’re going to come back.”