Reading Aviation held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 25, to mark the completion of extensive renovations at its facility located at Reading Regional Airport. The event highlighted the airport’s continued transformation under the leadership of the Reading Regional Airport Authority (RRAA) and its role in boosting economic activity across Berks County. Watch the livestream here.
Reading Aviation, the sole Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) at the airport since February 2024, unveiled a fully modernized lobby, upgraded passenger lounges, refreshed snooze rooms and offices, and a resurfaced main hangar floor. The improvements are part of a broader effort to elevate the airport’s appeal to corporate and recreational aviation clients.
Airport Director Zack Tempesko welcomed guests and detailed the multi-year effort leading to Friday’s event. “We wanted to create a space that truly reflects the professionalism and service excellence we aim for,” Tempesko said. He emphasized that consolidating FBO operations under one provider has allowed for streamlined services and more competitive pricing, improving customer satisfaction.
The renovations follow the RRAA’s 2023 decision to transition the airport’s fuel and service operations into a unified, county-backed FBO. Tempesko noted that the process involved integrating three separate entities and reclaiming nine hangars under long-term leases.
Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach praised the leadership behind the project, noting Tempesko’s local roots and commitment. Leinbach also recognized the former airport board for initiating the shift toward direct county involvement, which led to the acquisition of two private FBOs in January 2024.
“This is a new beginning as we move forward to become the number one general aviation airport in Pennsylvania,” Leinbach said, adding that the airport has already reversed years of declining usage. He credited the change in management for securing key tenants such as Quest Diagnostics and new partnerships, including a recent agreement with NetJets, the world’s largest charter company.
Commissioner Michael Rivera also addressed the crowd, highlighting the economic impact of the airport, which currently contributes $78 million annually to the local economy. “This 13-plus million-dollar project has been operating in the black since the start,” Rivera said. “That’s a testament to the hard work and planning that went into making this vision a reality.”
Looking ahead, Tempesko outlined plans for additional infrastructure improvements, including new hangars and expanded fueling options. The airport is also preparing to host its fourth annual Aviation Expo, featuring a career fair sponsored by NetJets.
During the ceremony, the newly renamed Liberator Way was officially dedicated, honoring the B-24 Liberator aircraft serviced at the airport during World War II.
The event concluded with a ribbon cutting, guided tours of the renovated facility, and remarks underscoring the airport’s growing role in regional economic development.