Leaders from the city of Hickory and Burke County were joined by legislative officials at Hickory Regional Airport on Friday, Aug. 8, to celebrate the grand opening of 12 newly completed T-hangars on the north ramp.
Hickory Mayor Hank Guess and Burke County Commission Chairman Jeff Brittain delivered comments on the importance of the project for the airport and the region, according to a news release.
“The Hickory Regional Airport is an invaluable resource — not only for Hickory and Burke County, but for the economic vitality of the entire region. This expansion strengthens our ability to grow our tax base, produce revenue and attract even more aviation opportunities,†said Guess.
This is the second set of new T-hangars constructed by the city of Hickory and Burke County to create leased hangar space to better meet growing demand at the airport.
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Named for their T-shaped structure, these individual hangars are designed to accommodate small to midsize aircraft that are currently leasing space in the larger group hangars. Once these planes move from the group hangars to individual T-hangars, additional aircraft can move to the Hickory airport off the waiting list.
New hangar development aligns with the recommendations of the Hickory Regional Airport Task Force Report to promote and expand the assets at the airport to increase revenue through expansion of the number of base aircraft.
“We’re proud to give new planes a home and further deepen our partnership with Burke County. This airport property holds tremendous potential, and we’re ready to seize every opportunity it offers — guided by momentum, teamwork and shared vision,†added Guess.
Brittain echoed those sentiments, saying, “This project represents more than new infrastructure — it stands as a model of what’s possible when local governments work together with shared purpose and mutual respect. And the results are clear: In 2021, the total taxable value of all aircraft in Burke County was just over $40 million, with no aircraft valued above $1 million. By 2023, that value more than doubled to $101.8 million, with 18 aircraft valued over $1 million. And today, in 2025, the taxable aircraft value has climbed to $129.1 million, with 24 aircraft now exceeding $1 million each. This growth translates into an estimated $897,464 in county tax revenue — funds that directly support public services, infrastructure and our quality of life. That’s an extraordinary return — not just in dollars, but in long-term value for our citizens.â€
Hickory Regional Airport is situated primarily in Burke County at 3103 Ninth Ave. Drive NW in Hickory. For more information about Hickory Regional Airport, visit .
