High-Powered Jet Engine Run-Up Pad Fuels New Capacity at Stennis International Airport

February 10, 2023

KILN, MISS. -Construction of a new jet engine run-up pad will start Monday February 13, 2023 at Stennis International Airport, with an estimated completion date of April 27, 2023. 

The locally funded $1,231,275 million project includes new pavement and specialized fittings to perform high-powered jet engine run-up capacity testing. The project was awarded to the lowest bidder, Floore Industrial Contractors, Inc., of Moss Point.

The new run-up pad will increase capacity for testing and certification of powerful engines, such as the Northrop T-38 Talon among others, expanding capabilities for current and new programs with key civil and defense partners. 

The new development supports the Foreign Military Sales program, located at the heart of the I-10 Aerospace Corridor, the new run-up pad follows years of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s pivotal role in aerospace and defense.

“Stennis Airport will be one of the only general aviation airports in the country with the capability to test jet engines of this caliber,” said Blaine LaFontaine, Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission Executive Director. “These tests and certifications allow our Department of Defense partners to maintain American and allied forces’ warfighting advantage. It will also give general aviation customers a place to test their engines.”

The engine run-up pad will be located on the south end of Stennis Airport’s 8,500-foot runway. Upon completion, a series of at least 25 tests are planned by the airport tenant and Department of Defense contractor Tyonek.

“The construction of this run-up pad will significantly increase the capability for our facilities at Stennis International Airport,” said Paul Stein, Vice President, Tyonek Services Group. “Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission is a valued partner and we look forward to future opportunities.”

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The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission was established in 1963 to lead the county’s economic development activities. Stennis International Airport and Port Bienville Industrial Park are home to 30 companies with more than 1,000 employees. For more information visit www.portairspace.com.