It’s official! Mount Comfort Airport becomes Indianapolis Regional on Friday
Change expected to generate more recognition among local, regional aviation users as well as out-of-town visitors attending 2012 Super Bowl
INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) is pleased to announce that Mt. Comfort Airport, located in Hancock County near Greenfield, Indiana, will officially be known as Indianapolis Regional Airport later this week.
The name change takes effect Friday, March 11. The airport will keep its existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designation which is MQJ.
“We believe this change better reflects the airport’s relationship to and role within our overall airport system,” said John D. Clark III, IAA’s executive director and CEO. “Having the facility clearly identified with the City of Indianapolis and central Indiana will be of benefit as the area continues to grow and attract new business enterprises.”
Airport officials and supporters including IndyJet, the fixed-based operator at Indianapolis Regional, joined forces to request the name change several months ago.
The process can take as long as 12 months before final approval is received. In this case, the formal request was submitted to the FAA on May 24, 2010 and approval was received by the end of November.
“With the Super Bowl being hosted in Indianapolis next year, we expect a number of private flights may use Indianapolis Regional, depending on weather conditions and other factors. The change was requested well in advance of Super Bowl festivities to avoid confusion among customers and out-of-town visitors. We thank the FAA for reviewing and processing our request quickly,” Clark added.
The former Mt. Comfort Airport is a general aviation or “reliever” facility to Indianapolis International Airport (IND). One of the largest facilities of its kind in Indiana, the airport is home of the popular Indianapolis Air Show, which attracts thousands of aviation enthusiasts each year. It primarily serves corporate users and private aircraft owners.
Through continued partnership with business leaders and municipal officials in Hancock County, the Indianapolis Airport Authority is committed to ensuring Indianapolis Regional Airport meets the needs of its users and the local community.
Future development at Indianapolis Regional Airport will be guided by the existing master plan and associated airport layout plan most recently approved by the FAA in 2007. A copy of the plan is available on www.indianapolisairport.com.
“The name change directly links transient corporate and general aviation communities to Greater Indianapolis,” noted Bob Palmer, managing partner of IndyJet. “Private aviation users at Indianapolis Regional are just 20 minutes from downtown Indianapolis.”
IndyJet is a full-service fixed based operator, providing fueling, ramp services, and aircraft and avionics repair at Indianapolis Regional Airport. It also operates Indy Flight Training, offering both students and professional pilots a wide range of flight training options.
Palmer added that IndyJet looks forward to working with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and the Hancock County Economic Development Corporation to explore mutually beneficial opportunities in the future. “Thriving regional airports provide synergy and economic stimulus to the surrounding community,” Palmer said.
For more information about IndyJet’s services at Indianapolis Regional Airport, visit www.indyjet.net and www.indyflighttraining.net.