Terre Haute Regional Airport will look back on 2016 with fondness. Yes, that’s right – in case you missed it – the new name of Terre Haute’s Airport is Terre Haute Regional Airport. That new name reflects a renewed focus, investment and commitment to the Wabash Valley region for this historic airport. History aside, the present and future are the big stories this year for THRA.

So, what happened in 2016?
In addition to a new name, the airport contracted for the design of a new logo and website that reflect this bright new future. The blue and gold of the THRA logo (pictured) reflect Hoosier state pride and the new website (this one right here!) has been designed and developed from the ground up to be clean, easy-to-read and flexible for usage on mobile, tablet or a desktop. And lastly, the façade of the terminal is receiving the final touches on a remodel as we wrap up this year. Those are some cosmetic and strategic changes that position the airport in a way that’s strong, intentional and looking forward.

The year was filled with events.
They reflected the renewed regional commitment of THRA. Summer saw 8,500+ festival-goers cram the apron near the terminal for a HI-99 Concert featuring Cole Swindell. This Fall, the top collegiate aviation programs in the Midwest came to the airport for a 5-day long NIFA competition hosted by Indiana State University. At the competition, flight students learned and tested themselves in ground-based and air-based challenges at Terre Haute Regional Airport. They also had the opportunity to network with each other and industry professionals who flew in for the event.

Terre Haute Regional Airport welcomes many visitors daily.
This includes a variety of people. 2016 saw visits from the President-elect and a basketball team (nice plane!) from Miami among others. The airport also welcomed local politicians like US Rep Larry Buschon for Aviation Day, emergency personnel for mock disaster training, Fly-ins, Young Eagles program participants and more. What could be in store for 2017?

Most notably, 2017 will feature improvements that include converting Runway 18-36 to Taxiway F. It should be an interesting year in the area of Unmanned Systems. New regulations are now in place that promise to speed innovation and increase access to drone flight for private and commercial uses. Of course, THRA is uniquely positioned to be a leader in unmanned systems. And, we’ll continue to improve our facility, which currently boasts a comfortable flight planning center, Hoosier Aviation’s pilot lounge and more, to make Terre Haute Regional Airport a destination for pilots and non-pilots.

Don’t wait for the year-end recap in 2017! Follow us on social media or sign up for our e-newsletter so you can participate in the great things going on at THRA.