On Monday, October 23, Macon-Bibb County and the Middle Georgia Regional Airport unveiled plans for the new Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal, now known as High Note Aviation. You can watch the full announcement here. 

“Yes, our new FBO building looks like a guitar,” said Mayor Lester Miller as the renderings were unveiled to the public. “When you fly over Macon-Bibb County, you’ll know exactly where you’re at.” 

The new High Note Aviation building was designed by Passero Associates with the inspiration to represent Macon’s musical heritage. Earlier this month, Macon-Bibb County completed the transition of FBO services from Lowe Aviation to the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. FBOs provide a variety of services to pilots and planes, include fueling, hangaring, and ground transportation. Henry Lowe will still maintain his charter business. 

 With the additions of new industries, the coming extension of the runway, steady passenger service, and more, it was determined that significant operational efficiencies can be obtained under County management. This transition also means the County will build a brand new FBO executive terminal to welcome people to our community and provide pilots and planes with the latest in technology and support services. 

“The Lowe family has done a tremendous job here at the airport for more than 76 years, and I want to thank them for their service to the air service community and to Macon-Bibb,” said Mayor Miller.  

“With the Airport managing all operational aspects, we can coordinate current logistics, plan for future improvements, manage projects both big and small, and be involved with every plane, pilot, and passenger that takes off and lands here,” said Airport Director Doug Faour. 

 Part of this transition was to create a new, updated space for pilots and visitors when they arrive at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. The new building will be shaped like a guitar, with angles that look like a piano. It will have a restaurant, conference room, event lawn, and extra space for visitors to hang out in. 

“There’s no other airport terminal like this in the world,” said Andrew Holesko with Passero Associates.  

Macon-Bibb County, through its departments, spent the last six months working to make this as smooth a transition as possible for employees. That included studying salaries & benefits, getting identification cards, going through orientation, purchasing uniforms, determining IT needs (connection to the network, computers, cell phones, website information, etc.), determining security needs (lock and access systems, connecting to security cameras, etc.), and more. The Human Resources Department individually met with Lowe Aviation employees to get them hired as Macon-Bibb County employees. 

 “We wanted them to know their knowledge, expertise, and skills are valued and still needed here at the Airport, and we want them to be part of our exciting future,” adds Faour. “It was our goal to have them become part of our team and continue providing great service to planes of all sizes here.” 

“Things are really taking off at our airport, and this is a chance to grow our team here and make better plans for our future,” adds Mayor Miller. “This is an exciting time for economic development in Macon-Bibb, and we’re going to make every effort to take it to new heights.” 

  In January 2023, Macon-Bibb, the Airport, and many partners broke ground on the runway extension, a project that has been needed for many years. 

  “This extension will provide so much opportunity for the growth at our airport and will make it more convenient for our current tenants,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “This is a project that has been in the works for many years, and we are thrilled that it is finally happening.” 

The first phase of the project will be the construction of a retaining wall near the approach end of Runway 5, which is in the southwest corner of airport property near Sardis Church Road. The estimated cost for the first phase is approximately $2 million and it’s being funded partially from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Highway Division.  

The second phase of construction is the actual extension of the runway and the installation of an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS). The extension should be completed in late 2024 or early 2025.