John C. Tune Airport Re-Opens After 60-Day Closure

NASHVILLE ─ John C. Tune Airport (JWN) re-opened today at noon after previously being closed for 60 days for major reconstruction projects.

“We are proud to re-open John C. Tune Airport as the premiere general aviation airport for our region and a true reflection of Music City,” Rob Wigington, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority president and CEO, said. “The runway reconstruction projects and terminal modernization underscore our commitment to providing the highest quality of facilities and services for our general and corporate aviation customers.”

The purpose of the closure was to extend the runway and to improve the Runway Safety Area (RSA). The north end RSA is now 1000 feet in length to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement, and the runway was extended 500 additional feet to extend the range of the aircraft using JWN. On the south end, the RSA was extended 750 feet and now includes an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS). EMAS uses crushable material placed at the end of a runway to stop an aircraft that overruns the runway. The tires of the aircraft sink into the lightweight material, and the aircraft decelerates as it rolls through the material. The JWN EMAS installation is the 99th EMAS installation in the world.

Phase 1 of the JWN RSA extension project began construction in 2013 and included the closure of Centennial Boulevard, construction of an extension of Cockrill Bend Circle and site preparation for the runway and RSA extension. Phase 2 and Phase 3 both began June 1, 2015, and included extending the RSA at each end of the runway, extending the runway from 5,500 feet to 6,000 feet, making runway grade repairs, replacing runway lights and signage, installing a new precision approach path indicator and instrument landing system, reconstructing taxiways and extending Taxiway Alpha. During the closure, the apron and hangar floors were rehabilitated, and the terminal was renovated and modernized, as well as enhancements to its landscaping and signage.

Phase 3, which includes reconstructing taxiways and extending Taxiway Alpha, is still underway as planned and is scheduled for completion in November.

For progress updates and photos from the 60-day closure, visit https://flynashville.com/john-c-tune/Pages/JWN-Renovation-2015.aspx.

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority owns and operates Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN). Located in West Nashville, JWN is one of Tennessee’s busiest general aviation airports, serving as a reliever for BNA. With a 3,600-square-foot terminal, 125 T-hangars and two enclosed hangars of 21,000 and 18,000 square feet, JWN operates 24 hours a day.

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) was established in 1970, and owns and operates Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN). MNAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit www.flynashville.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NashvilleInternationalAirport and follow us on Twitter: @Fly_Nashville.

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