A Brief History: The Duplin County Airport officially opened December 16, 1974 with the landing of a University of North Carolina Medical School aircraft from Chapel Hill. The airport started as a vision in the 1960’s and become a reality with the aid of local, state and federal funds and thanks to the diligent, untiring work by Duplin County officials and citizens. Preston B. Raiford, the county’s first Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission, was the motivating force behind the project. Realizing the potential economic benefit that a general aviation airport could have on the development of a rural county, Mr. Raiford’s persistence finally became a reality. The airport was originally named for P.B. Raiford, but was later changed to avoid confusion with the Raeford Municipal Airport in Raeford, N.C. The airport’s first regular corporate user was Cates Pickles, Inc., of Faison. Five based aircraft, a 3,700’ runway and a small, block terminal building became the nucleus of the outstanding facility we have today. Initially growth was slow but steady. By the early 1980’s, however, there were 7,400 annual operations and the runway was extended to 4,800’. Annual operations continue to increase and the runway is now 6,000’. Today, the airport generates pride and much interest as an economic development tool along with providing services and opportunities to the public at large. It will continue to play an increasing role in the growth and development of, not only Duplin County, but the region as well. Click here for more detailed information concerning the Duplin County Airport. Duplin County Airport Land Use and Height Restriction Ordinance Current Weather Conditions at Duplin County Airport Duplin County Airport Master Plan

Facility Overview: 3,600 Square Foot Modern Terminal Building with Conference Room, Break Room, Pilots Lounge with Shower and Locker Room 6,000’ Long by 75’ Wide Asphalt Runway with Pilot Controlled Lighting Approximately 125 Acre Industrial/Business Development Park Adjacent to Property 24 Hour Automated Weather Observation System Available Via Telephone or VHF Radio Instrument Landing Approaches Precision Approach Path Indicator Systems for Visual Approaches Runway End Identifier Lights and Pilot Controlled Airfield Lighting Internet Weather and High Speed Wireless Corporate Hangars Providing 30,000 Square Feet of Storage Space 2 T-Hangar Units – 4 Bays Each Unit Concrete Parking Apron with 17 Tie Down Spaces State-of-the-Art Above Ground Fueling Stations for Jet-A and 100-LL 24 Hour Self Service Fuel Available

Operations: Open to the Public Seven Days per Week, 364 Days per Year, 12 hour Days April through October, 10 Hour Days November through March Airport Currently Receives $500,000 in State Grant Funds and $150,000 in Federal Grant Funds each Year, Representing a Major Commitment from State and Federal Governments to Duplin Growth and Development Geographically Located Under the North/South Flyway, Midpoint between New York and Miami; Preferred Stop for Many Regular Transient Customers Corporate Agribusiness and Textile Operations Daily Crop Spraying and Timber Fertilization Benefits Local Agribusiness US Military Operations Include Practice Approaches and Simulated Training Exercises

Future Plans: Complete Remaining Portion of Full Parallel Taxiway Project Widen Runway to 100’ & Overlay For Additional Strength Obtain Easements for Runway Approach Critical Areas Install Additional Approach Lighting Upgrade Instrument Approaches to Full Precision Approaches Assist with Development of Adjacent Industrial/Business Park

Mailing Address:	260 Airport Road, Kenansville, NC 28349
Phone:	(910) 296-2188
Fax:	(910) 296-1904
E-mail:	duplinair@duplincountync.com
Hours of Operation:	April through October Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. November through March Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Call 24 Hours Per Day Year Around Open Every Day Except Christmas