Plans for the modernization of Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) advance as the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) has issued a formal Request for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/P) seeking design-build bidders to design, scope, and build new facilities.

“Investing in a new terminal and improvements at JAN will provide facilities and amenities customers want and deserve,” said Rosa M. Beckett, JMAA CEO. “It’s beyond time to modernize JAN.”

“This process follows industry best practices and is designed to provide JMAA the best options – ones most likely to deliver terminal enhancements quickly, in compliance with strict airport regulations, at an affordable cost and minimal disruption to existing operations.”

“Stage one encourages partnerships for airport design and development firms to bring forth innovative design options for consideration and selection.”

“In Stage two, JMAA plans to award a development agreement with a guaranteed maximum price to complete the project and to turn such facilities over to the airport at completion. JMAA will retain ownership of the improvements and all airport assets, maintaining full responsibility and control of airport management, operations, and compliance.”

The RFQ/P is designed to attract qualified traditional development teams, infrastructure developers, institutional investors, infrastructure investment funds, and other entities capable of providing planning, design, construction, financing, and implementation solutions.

“JMAA is evaluating both traditional public-sector delivery and grant methods as well as innovative private infrastructure investment approaches,” Beckett said. “We are seeking the strongest ideas, technical expertise, and financial solutions that serve the public interest while accelerating needed improvements for our passengers, airline partners, and the State of Mississippi.”

“This capital investment initiative aligns with JMAA’s strategic plan to strengthen Mississippi’s transportation infrastructure, connect communities, and support economic development. It makes good business sense to evaluate the full range of resources, expertise, and capital available as we plan the airport’s future,” said Warren Herring, JMAA Board Chair.

In June, JMAA announced more than $30 million in proposed capital reinvestment in JAN’s infrastructure. Since 2016, the Authority has reinvested more than $100 million at Mississippi’s largest commercial airport. JAN serves approximately 1.2 million passengers and handles nearly 20 million pounds of air cargo, mail, and packages annually.

JMAA has assembled nationally recognized advisors with expertise in airport infrastructure, aviation finance, private infrastructure investment, public procurement, regulatory compliance, and municipal finance.

Submissions from qualified entities are due September 28, 2026. Following the evaluation, JMAA anticipates identifying one or more respondents for further discussions regarding a potential pre-development agreement by October 26, 2026.

The RFQ/P is nonbinding. Any agreement will remain subject to negotiation, approval by the JMAA Board of Commissioners, and compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements. JMAA reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, modify the procurement process, or pursue alternative implementation strategies determined to be in the Authority’s best interest.

For more information, please contact:

LSherie Dean

Director of Communications, Marketing & PR

601.715.6918

[email protected]

www.JMAA.com