The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) announces a grant award of $8 million, part of the U.S. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), to be utilized at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN).
This funding will be allocated towards upgrading essential equipment at JAN, a facility with a 60-year history that requires additional improvements. These enhancements will help maintain the high-quality experience for both Mississippians and visitors traveling to and from the Capital region’s airport.
“JAN is critical to the transportation infrastructure of central Mississippi and keeping our city connected to the world. JMAA’s Board of Commissioners and I are extremely pleased and grateful for this support of vital infrastructure improvements at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, the state’s busiest commercial airport,” stated Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rosa M. Beckett.
CEO Beckett continued, “Thanks to the support of the Biden-Harris administration and members of the Mississippi Congressional delegation, this grant will complement JMAA’s ongoing efforts to modernize and address the evolving needs of the traveling public for decades to come.”
“We sincerely thank our partners at the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for supporting our work to address some of the critical infrastructure needs and to provide even more jobs to workers in the state,” said JMAA Board Chairman Warren T. Herring.
Ms. Beckett and the Commissioners continue to work closely with federal government and Mississippi leaders to plan and secure funds for a “next generation airport” serving the state’s Capital city and region at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN). JMAA has one of the largest economic impacts in Mississippi, generating nearly $2 billion annually to the state’s well-being.
The Authority recently reported passenger numbers for calendar year 2023 at levels not seen in a decade and a half. As of December 31, JAN handled nearly 1.29 million travelers, an increase of 5.1% above a strong 2022, and continues to be the busiest airport in the state of Mississippi by far, carrying close to six (6) of every ten (10) passengers boarding at the seven (7) commercial airports.
As a result of significant incremental air service added in the last few years, passenger volumes are well above the strong pre-pandemic levels of 2019 as Mississippians have returned to the skies in great numbers. The 2023 results represent a 22.3% increase over 2019, and the outlook for calendar year 2024 is for an additional 3% in passengers above this past year. The BIL grant will be critical in allowing JMAA to keep pace with the recent and expected growth.
Our world-class global airline partners American, Delta, United, and Southwest continue to provide outstanding levels of Customer Service and convenient flights to get you easily on your way to friends, family, and those all-important business trips. JMAA greatly appreciates our federal partners at FAA and TSA to help keep all customers at JAN safe and moving efficiently to and from their flights.
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ABOUT JMAA
The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) operates two airports: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Hawkins Field Airport (HKS). JAN is the busiest airport in Mississippi, situated in the Central part of the state and serving the Capital region of Jackson with over 3,000 acres of property. JAN has service to several of the world’s busiest global hubs and is home to the Mississippi Air National Guard 172nd Airlift Wing. HKS is a general aviation airport that houses two emergency response medical air transporters and the Civil Air Patrol. It is also home to the Mississippi Army National Guard 185th Aviation Brigade. The Authority provides service to over 1.29 million passengers per year.