[New Century, KS - Jan. 28, 2026] 2025 was a transformative year for the Johnson County Airport Commission (JCAC), marked by bold investments, strategic partnerships and historic milestones across all its facilities, including New Century AirCenter, Johnson County Executive Airport and the surrounding business parks. From major infrastructure upgrades to record-setting federal grants, JCAC advanced its mission to drive economic growth, enhance aviation capabilities and strengthen regional connectivity throughout the Kansas City metro area.
One of the year’s most significant developments was the advancement of Dream Air New Century, LLC’s plans for a new aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at New Century AirCenter. Pending final development approval by Johnson County commissioners, the project will include a terminal building and two large hangar structures on an 8.23-acre parcel east of 1 New Century Parkway. This $20 million investment will add substantial aviation support infrastructure, including multiple hangars and associated facilities, enhancing the AirCenter’s capabilities and positioning it as a critical hub for commercial aviation services.
“This project represents a bold step toward strengthening New Century AirCenter’s position as a leading aviation hub,” said Bryan Johnson, executive director of Johnson County Airport Commission. “It’s about building capacity for the future and creating opportunities that benefit the entire region.”
JCAC also finalized a five-acre lease for a new 20,000-square-foot corporate jet hangar, a strategic investment that addresses growing demand for corporate and business aviation facilities across the Kansas City metro. This development enhances New Century Airport’s ability to attract and retain corporate flight operations, aviation-related investment and high-value jobs. By expanding operational capacity and elevating service offerings for corporate users, the Airport Commission is laying the groundwork for long-term economic benefits through lease revenue, fuel sales and broader regional growth.
At Johnson County Executive Airport, reconstruction of t-hangar rows Mike and November – located on the south end near the air traffic control tower – also began, marking the complete renewal of all t-hangars at the airport.
In addition to these milestones, JCAC announced in September that New Century AirCenter received its largest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to date, underscoring the airport’s strategic importance to regional aviation. The substantial $21 million investment will fund essential improvements to enhance safety, boost operational efficiency and support future growth. Among these priorities is Runway 18-36 – the second longest in the Kansas City metro area and a critical piece of aviation infrastructure serving corporate, military and general aviation operations across the region – which now requires full reconstruction after its last rehabilitation in 2005. The project to reconstruct the runway and upgrade its lighting, along with new airfield signage and markings, is expected to begin in 2027 and will be planned to minimize operational disruptions.
Complementing these efforts, JCAC obtained $15 million in federal funding for a new air traffic control tower to replace the existing structure at New Century AirCenter that has served for more than eight decades. Design work is underway on the modernized tower, which will improve air traffic management, strengthen safety and accommodate anticipated growth in business and general aviation, with full operation expected by early 2028.
“These investments ensure that Johnson County will continue delivering safe, reliable aviation facilities to serve our community, local businesses and military partners,” said Johnson. “The momentum in aviation across the region is unprecedented, marking a new era of opportunity and growth for our airports.”
Beyond aviation, New Century AirCenter experienced significant industrial and logistics expansion. In the third quarter of 2025, CJ Logistics America opened a state-of-the-art, rail-served cold storage warehouse developed in partnership with Yukon Real Estate Partners and BGO. The 291,000-square-foot facility – connected to Upfield’s production plant via an above-ground conveyor bridge – strengthens the region’s food logistics capabilities and supports global brands such as Country Crock®, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter® and Imperial®. Meanwhile, VanTrust Real Estate’s newly completed, 356,000-square-foot Class A industrial facility within the adjacent New Century Commerce Center became available for tenant leasing. Designed to meet modern operational needs, the flexible industrial space accommodates warehouse, distribution and logistics users, addressing strong regional demand for high-quality industrial assets.
JCAC’s 2025 infrastructure improvements extended to rail operations as well. The New Century AirCenter Railroad advanced a $2 million short-line rail improvement project, supported by a $1.4 million Kansas Department of Transportation grant through the Rail Service Improvement Program. The project includes track rehabilitation, tie and ballast replacement and crossing enhancements to boost safety, efficiency and freight capacity. These improvements will strengthen the AirCenter’s link to the national rail network, support regional businesses and reduce truck traffic to drive economic growth and multimodal connectivity for Johnson County and the state of Kansas.
Another strategic milestone was the sale of the 450,000-square-foot New Century Office Building in October, transitioning the property to private ownership to spur redevelopment and enhance the AirCenter’s commercial presence. This move reduces the County’s ongoing maintenance and capital obligations while generating immediate value through the transaction proceeds and future tax base growth. Private redevelopment is expected to modernize facilities, attract tenants and support aviation-related and complementary business activity, reinforcing the AirCenter’s role as a regional economic engine. The final closing is anticipated in the coming months, pending completion of the 120-day due diligence process.
As JCAC embarks on the new year, its airports continue to serve as a powerful driver of economic growth, contributing more than $1.1 billion annually to the local and regional economy and supporting nearly 5,000 jobs. Looking ahead, the Airport Commission remains focused on driving progress and fostering a vibrant, connected aviation community for years to come.
To learn more, visit jocogov.org/department/airport-commission.
About Johnson County Airport Commission
The Johnson County Airport Commission operates two air transportation facilities serving the aviation needs of the region and a multi-tenant, multi-modal commerce center, which includes a short line railroad and water distribution system. All of these strategic assets contribute to Johnson County’s economic vitality and high quality of life.
Media Contact:
Merisa Ashbaugh, 309-335-5453
