07/16/2026
NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pryor Field Regional Airport Reports Nearly $65 Million in Investment Since 2022, Positioning North Alabama for Continued Aviation Growth
DECATUR, Ala. — Pryor Field Regional Airport has experienced an unprecedented period of growth since 2022, with nearly $65 million in public and private investment transforming the airport into one of North Alabama's fastest-growing centers for aviation, aerospace, and economic development.
Over the past four years, the Pryor Field Airport Authority has invested in critical infrastructure while partnering with private industry to attract new investment, expand existing businesses, and strengthen the airport's role as a regional economic engine. Together, these efforts represent $64.967 million in total investment since 2022.
Since 2022, Pryor Field has:
*Invested in major airport infrastructure, including utilities, roadway improvements, taxiway improvements, and airfield development.
*Supported construction of Strata-G's new $32 million Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility.
*Recruited and expanded eight aviation businesses, including significant maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities to the Airport.
*Acquired a large corporate hangar to support additional aviation business growth and aircraft maintenance operations.
*Expanded corporate hangar capacity and positioned additional development sites for future aviation and aerospace investment.
*Advanced workforce development through partnerships supporting aviation maintenance education and technical careers with Calhoun Community College.
*Continued implementation of the Airport Master Plan to prepare for long-term growth.
Those investments have positioned Pryor Field for its next phase of growth. Existing private development plans include more than $117 million in additional investment, while the Airport Authority has identified approximately $49 million in needed capital improvements to expand infrastructure, increase aviation capacity, and prepare the airport for future aviation and economic development opportunities.
"Pryor Field is proving what is possible when infrastructure investment and private enterprise work together," said Adam Fox, Chief Executive Officer of the Pryor Field Airport Authority. "Since 2022, we have focused on creating opportunities—not just for today's businesses, but for the next generation of aviation and aerospace companies that will call DCU home. Every project has been about building a stronger airport that creates jobs, attracts investment, and supports long-term economic growth."
As these projects move forward, existing businesses have identified the potential to create at least 137 additional jobs over the next five years. Combined with planned developments already underway and future aviation and aerospace recruitment opportunities, Pryor Field has the potential to support more than 340 additional jobs, further strengthening its role as a regional economic engine for North Alabama.
"The progress we have made since 2022 demonstrates what can be accomplished through vision, partnership, and investment," Fox said. "While we are proud of what has been achieved, we believe the next chapter for Pryor Field will be even more impactful for North Alabama and the State of Alabama."
About Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU)
Located in Limestone County, Alabama, Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU) is one of Alabama’s fastest-growing aviation and aerospace hubs. Conveniently located adjacent to Interstate 65, DCU provides the closest general aviation airport access to I-65 in North Alabama and serves Huntsville, Decatur, Athens, and the greater Tennessee Valley. The airport is home to a full-service FBO, an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, Calhoun Community College’s Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Technician Program, and access to Alabama’s Regional Training Program (RTP) facility, creating a unique workforce development and maintenance ecosystem designed to support aviation, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Owned and operated by the Pryor Field Airport Authority, DCU continues to expand its role as a center for industry, innovation, and economic development.
Media Contact:
Denice Marco
Marketing and Events Coordinator
Pryor Field Airport Authority
[email protected]