Newton Municipal Airport – A Proven Track Record of Success! NEWTON, IOWA – Newton Municipal Airport has adapted to meet the needs of the City of Newton over the years. Since 1954, the airport had grown with the help of the city’s largest employer, “Maytag.” Airside facilities grew as the need from local businesses increased. The airport was developed from a 2400 ft sod field to its present 5600 x 100 ft paved runway with ILS, VOR and GPS approaches. Over the years, small improvements were made in the terminal facilities and other landside infrastructure, however, none greater than the project that was undertaken in 2004. The City of Newton, along with businesses and individuals, came together to build a first-class facility. This group knew the importance of leaving the best possible first impression of their town to the flying public. The new terminal, apron and t-hangar facilities were completed in February of 2005. In 2006, Maytag announced it was sold and would eventually leave Newton altogether. This was a huge impact to the local economy, as well as the airport operations. It was now more important than ever that the airport leave a good first impression to potential new businesses. In 2007, the new facilities would also play a role and the airport would again need to further adapt for its new neighbor, the “Iowa Speedway.” The Iowa Speedway brought NASCAR and IRL-sanctioned racing and created the busiest days the airport has ever seen. As the speedway’s races became larger with more traffic, the airport needed to adapt by adding more ramp space for parking and a runway overlay and strengthening. The fixed base operation, Johnson Aviation, Inc., has been a full-service operation with charter, flight instruction, aircraft sales, maintenance, and aircraft management since 1949. It, also, has had to adapt to the changes in Newton, as well as the aviation environment. Johnson Aviation serves all of Newton, Iowa, whether they fly or not. The staff at the airport is the first people that Newton’s potential new businesses, customers and visitors meet, which is so important now that the town is actively recruiting new businesses.
Johnson Aviation – along with the City of Newton and local aviation enthusiasts – hosted an extremely successful “Fly Iowa” event. Fly Iowa is Iowa’s aviation state fair. It consists of a free air show, displays, and aviation education programs sponsored by the Iowa Aviation Promotion Group. Holding Continued on Page 28
JUNE/JULY 2012 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 27