To get a jump start on the last and the third package of the reconstruction of Runway 6-24, the largest at Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), that runway and associated taxiways will close on March 24, 2021 – a week earlier than planned thanks to favorable weather. PNE, located about 25 miles from Philadelphia International Airport in the city’s Northeast section, is a general aviation facility that does not have scheduled commercial air service. It sees an average of 100 departures and as many arrivals daily by private aircraft.

“Most operations at the airport will not be impacted,” said PNE Manager John Brewer. “There are some larger aircraft that with their having to operate on the shorter runway may not be able to depart fully fueled, and, if flying to a far destination, may have to stop to fuel at another airport.”

The third phase of the runway reconstruction project is expected to last until October 31, 2021 and will include reconstructing the intersection of two runways, necessitating a closure of PNE for a 14-day period from July 6-19, 2021 to fixed wing aircraft.

The third phase of Runway 6-24’s reconstruction entails rehabilitating approximately 3,000 feet of pavement at the Runway 6 End and converting the existing incandescent lights for the entire 7,000 feet into new LED lights. After the completion of this phase, the Runway Safety Area (RSA) at the 6 End will meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. The completion of this project will also result in upgrading Taxiway connectors E1 and E2 to the latest FAA standards.

Last year, PNE was awarded a $9.1 million Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant by the FAA to rehabilitate Runway 6-24, which accounts for approximately 60 percent of the airport’s traffic. This is the largest FAA AIP grant PNE has ever received.

“The runway and lighting improvements we are making at Northeast Philadelphia Airport are critical, as PNE serves as a reliever airport for PHL and is an important contributor to our region’s economy,” said City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation CEO Chellie Cameron. “The funding we are receiving from the FAA would normally include a requirement of a 10% local share, which would be difficult due to the impact COVID-19 has had on the aviation industry and our finances. We thank the FAA for providing 100 percent funding for this project and allowing us to complete this very necessary work.”