Pryor Field Airport Authority - Pryor Flight Center

We were honored to attend the inaugural State of the Region yesterday at Toyota Field. The Madison Chamber did a great job hosting this event. The regional collaboration in North Alabama is impressive!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DECATUR, Ala. – The skies over North Alabama will come alive September 12–13 as the 2026 North Alabama Airfest returns to Pryor Field Regional Airport, bringing one of the Southeast's premier aviation events—and a historic first for the State of Alabama.

For the first time ever, Alabama will host a night airshow, featuring illuminated aircraft performances, dramatic pyrotechnics, and an unforgettable finale that promises to redefine the airshow experience.

Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 North Alabama Airfest is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the region, generating a significant economic impact for local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and attractions while showcasing North Alabama as a destination for aviation, aerospace, and tourism.

"This event is about more than incredible flying," said Adam Fox, CEO of the Pryor Field Airport Authority. "It's about bringing families together, inspiring the next generation of aviators and aerospace professionals, and demonstrating why North Alabama continues to be a leader in aviation."

Guests can expect world-class aerial performances, military and civilian aircraft displays, helicopter rides, exotic car runway experiences, interactive exhibits, food vendors, and family-friendly attractions throughout the weekend.

Whether you're a lifelong aviation enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable family experience, the 2026 North Alabama Airfest offers something for everyone. With Alabama's first-ever night airshow serving as the centerpiece, this year's event is expected to be the largest and most exciting in the event's history.

Tickets and additional event information are available at NorthALAirfest.com. Make plans now to join us September 12–13 at Pryor Field Regional Airport and witness history in the skies over North Alabama.

For more information, contact:
Denice Marco, Marketing and Events Coordinator
Pryor Field Airport Authority
[email protected]
2026 North Alabama Airfest to Make History with Alabama's First-Ever Night Airshow

NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pryor Field Regional Airport Reports Nearly $65 Million in Investment Since 2022, Positioning North Alabama for Continued Aviation Growth

DECATUR, Ala. — Pryor Field Regional Airport has experienced an unprecedented period of growth since 2022, with nearly $65 million in public and private investment transforming the airport into one of North Alabama's fastest-growing centers for aviation, aerospace, and economic development.

Over the past four years, the Pryor Field Airport Authority has invested in critical infrastructure while partnering with private industry to attract new investment, expand existing businesses, and strengthen the airport's role as a regional economic engine. Together, these efforts represent $64.967 million in total investment since 2022.

Since 2022, Pryor Field has:
*Invested in major airport infrastructure, including utilities, roadway improvements, taxiway improvements, and airfield development.
*Supported construction of Strata-G's new $32 million Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility.
*Recruited and expanded eight aviation businesses, including significant maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities to the Airport.
*Acquired a large corporate hangar to support additional aviation business growth and aircraft maintenance operations.
*Expanded corporate hangar capacity and positioned additional development sites for future aviation and aerospace investment.
*Advanced workforce development through partnerships supporting aviation maintenance education and technical careers with Calhoun Community College.
*Continued implementation of the Airport Master Plan to prepare for long-term growth.

Those investments have positioned Pryor Field for its next phase of growth. Existing private development plans include more than $117 million in additional investment, while the Airport Authority has identified approximately $49 million in needed capital improvements to expand infrastructure, increase aviation capacity, and prepare the airport for future aviation and economic development opportunities.

"Pryor Field is proving what is possible when infrastructure investment and private enterprise work together," said Adam Fox, Chief Executive Officer of the Pryor Field Airport Authority. "Since 2022, we have focused on creating opportunities—not just for today's businesses, but for the next generation of aviation and aerospace companies that will call DCU home. Every project has been about building a stronger airport that creates jobs, attracts investment, and supports long-term economic growth."

As these projects move forward, existing businesses have identified the potential to create at least 137 additional jobs over the next five years. Combined with planned developments already underway and future aviation and aerospace recruitment opportunities, Pryor Field has the potential to support more than 340 additional jobs, further strengthening its role as a regional economic engine for North Alabama.

"The progress we have made since 2022 demonstrates what can be accomplished through vision, partnership, and investment," Fox said. "While we are proud of what has been achieved, we believe the next chapter for Pryor Field will be even more impactful for North Alabama and the State of Alabama."

About Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU)
Located in Limestone County, Alabama, Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU) is one of Alabama’s fastest-growing aviation and aerospace hubs. Conveniently located adjacent to Interstate 65, DCU provides the closest general aviation airport access to I-65 in North Alabama and serves Huntsville, Decatur, Athens, and the greater Tennessee Valley. The airport is home to a full-service FBO, an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, Calhoun Community College’s Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Technician Program, and access to Alabama’s Regional Training Program (RTP) facility, creating a unique workforce development and maintenance ecosystem designed to support aviation, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Owned and operated by the Pryor Field Airport Authority, DCU continues to expand its role as a center for industry, innovation, and economic development.

Media Contact:
Denice Marco
Marketing and Events Coordinator
Pryor Field Airport Authority
[email protected]

We were honored to welcome the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) ACE Academy to Pryor Field this past week!

Fourteen outstanding high school students from across the country, along with two dedicated facilitators, spent the day exploring the many career opportunities available in aviation.

Throughout their visit, students heard from aviation professionals representing Calhoun Community College Aviation, Strata-G Solutions, Rocket City Aviation, Air Evac 177, Civil Air Patrol, Limestone County Sheriff, Wallace State & Athens State University, FTair, and the Pryor Field Airport Authority, including our CEO and Board Chair.

Students had the opportunity to observe pre-flight inspections, experience discovery flights, and ask thoughtful questions about careers in aviation, maintenance, emergency services, airport management, and beyond. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement were evident throughout the day—they came prepared, took notes, and made the most of every opportunity to learn.

A heartfelt thank you to all of our tenants, partners, and volunteers who shared their time and expertise to help inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. We hope this experience encourages these future leaders to continue reaching for the skies!

Swipe through to see some highlights from an inspiring day at Pryor Field!

We’re still riding high from an incredible week at Pryor Field!

Last week, PFAA had the honor of serving as Stop #4 for the 49th annual Air Race Classic, the legendary all-female cross-country air race, and we’re thrilled to share that Pryor Field was voted BEST STOP by the pilots!

We welcomed 40+ teams to North Alabama with the kind of hospitality we’re proud to be known for. From refreshments and airport swag to cool spaces for flight planning and relaxing between flights, our goal was simple: to make every pilot feel right at home.

-Need a crew car? We had it.
-Need a ride to the hotel or even Buc-ee's? We made it happen.
-Need a snocone break after a hot day on the ramp? Covered.

This recognition means so much because it reflects what Pryor Field is all about—service, community, and going the extra mile.

A huge thank-you to our amazing volunteers who helped make this stop unforgettable. You helped show these pilots why Pryor Field is truly the Gateway to North Alabama.

Congratulations to all the racers! Check out this year’s race results at AirRaceClassic.org.

We are excited to welcome the talented women aviators of the Air Race Classic, Inc. today as they soar across the country! We are honored to be a stop for this historic event.

RELEASE | Pryor Field (DCU) To Welcome Air Race Classic Competitors

Join our team! Apply today at https://flydcu.com/job-opportunities

We are grateful for ALDOT Aeronautics’ support and investment in our facilities!

Did you know Alabama's public-use airports support emergency response, business travel, tourism and economic growth across the state?

To help keep these facilities safe and operational, ALDOT has awarded more than $2 million in airport improvement grants to nine local airports.

From runway improvements to critical infrastructure upgrades, these investments help keep Alabama connected.

Read more on ALDOTNews: https://aldotnews.com/2026/06/16/alabama-airport-improvement-grants-total-2-million/

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