Strengthening PNE’s secondary runway for the future
Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) supports a range of activity as Pennsylvania’s busiest general aviation hub and the third busiest airport in the commonwealth. Each day, a diverse mix of aircraft, ranging from business jets to general aviation planes, move across the airport’s aprons, taxiways, and runways, including Runway 15-33.
Rehabilitation of Runway 15-33, PNE’s secondary runway, began earlier this year and is currently in the first of three packages released by the Transform PNE capital improvements program. Each package represents distinct work areas, construction scope, and funding component of the overall project. This first package began in mid-April and is expected to be completed in October. Package 2 is planned for 2027, followed by Package 3 in 2028. Runway 15-33 is supported by funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and other funds, with the estimated construction cost for Package 1 being $7.8 million.
“Having to close a runway for rehabilitation is difficult on the airport and its users,” said PNE Airport Operations Manager John Brewer. “However, knowing that when this project is complete, the airport's users will have a runway to operate on for the next 20-25 years makes the project worth the wait. The airport will have two very solid, very strong runways on which to operate hundreds of daily departures and landings well into the future.”
Since April, old pavement and all paint markings have been removed, new conduit and cans for new lights have been added, and new drainage is being installed. In July, Runway 15-33 was repainted and narrowed from 150 feet to 75 feet; however, when complete, it will include 20-foot paved shoulders with lights and signs, which is a safety measure. The change in size is due to the aircraft that utilize PNE; as a secondary runway, it does not fall under the same construction criteria as Runway 6-24, which is longer and wider for larger aircraft.
“We are excited to see the continued progress of the Runway 15-33 project and look forward to the completion of Package 1,” said Department of Aviation Chief Development Officer Api Appulingam. “Transform PHL & PNE is advancing strategic infrastructure improvements that strengthen airport operations and enhance the experience for both passengers and tenants. The ongoing development of Runway 15-33 is a strong example of that commitment.”
For Package 1, Atkins Realis completed the design, AECOM is providing construction management, and James D. Morrisey is leading construction.
