Huntsville International Airport has completed a major airfield modernization project, reopening its East Runway after a 14-month refurbishment that officials say could help position the airport for commercial spaceflight operations.
The Port of Huntsville announced the full restoration of Runway 18L/36R following a $12.3 million rehabilitation funded through Federal Aviation Administration grants. The runway, last upgraded in 2009, is now back in service with new pavement, improved shoulders and energy-efficient LED lighting.
“The next chapter in HSV’s evolution could be commercial space flight,” airport officials said in a statement. “Huntsville International is licensed by the FAA to land Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser on the East Runway at HSV.”…