RUIDOSO, NM (May 11, 2017) - Lea County Regional Airport was recently honored with the “Most Improved Airport” award by the New Mexico Airport Managers Association. The City of Hobbs and Lea County have committed to enhancing their local economic development district by offering commercial service from Hobbs to Houston. Their commitment to “Fly Hobbs” has resulted in up to 18,000 annual enplanements.

The Airport has also invested in several projects to improve safety and efficiency. A new high game fence around the perimeter of the airport was constructed in late 2016, along with the reconstruction of Runway 12-30, the primary crosswind runway. Both projects were funded by the Federal Aviation Administration. Lea County has also utilized local funds to build a new ARFF building and commissioned a preliminary study and programming documents to expand the existing airport terminal from a 9,000 sf terminal building to a 30,000 sf facility. This project will allow for future expansion to handle some 30,000 enplanements.

Congratulations to the Lea County Regional Airport, represented by Corey Needham, for their service and dedication to aviation excellence! With local government support and a commitment to enhancing infrastructure, Lea County clearly shows their understanding of how airport business positively impacts the local economy.

The Lea County Airport Systems also includes the Jal Municipal Airport (last year’s recipient of the “Most Improved Airport” award) and the Zip Franklin Memorial Airport in Lovington.