The Moore County Airport celebrated the groundbreaking for two new corporate aircraft hangars on Friday.
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together state and local elected officials, airport leaders, business representatives, and members of the aviation community to mark the beginning of construction on the new facilities. Upon completion, the hangars will be occupied by defense contractors Titan Echelon and AVA Technologies, two growing firms whose work supports national security, aerospace, technology development, and specialized government operations.
The project represents another milestone in the airport’s ongoing expansion efforts, which include additional hangar development, construction of a new Fixed Base Operator terminal building, and continued work toward the return of commercial air service.
SBS Sandhills Building Systems has designed the new corporate hangars and adjacent hangar infrastructure. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2027.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents another important step in the continued evolution of Moore County Airport as a critical transportation and economic asset for our region,” said Adam Kiker, chairman of the Moore County Airport Authority, in a news release. “The demand for aviation facilities continues to be strong, and these new corporate hangars will allow us to better serve the business community while creating additional opportunities for investment and economic activity. We are proud to welcome Titan Echelon and AVA Technologies to the airport and look forward to supporting their future investments.”
Ian Young, Titan Echelon’s chief growth officer, said, “Moore County Airport provides an ideal location for our aviation operations and future expansion plans. The airport’s vision, infrastructure investments, and commitment to supporting business growth made this an easy decision. We are excited to become part of the airport community and look forward to building a long-term presence in Moore County.”
Titan Echelon is a defense and national security contractor that provides specialized operational support, aviation services, training, logistics, and mission-focused solutions for government and commercial clients. The company supports a range of domestic and international programs requiring rapid deployment capabilities and secure aviation infrastructure. The new hangar facility at Moore County Airport will support the company’s continued growth and operational readiness requirements.
AVA Technologies is a veteran-owned, owner-funded defense and homeland security technology company focused on developing the foundational technology required to enable networked, autonomous, and synchronized effects across the modern battlespace. Built on a disciplined, mission-first culture shaped by operational experience, AVA works alongside warfighters and mission partners to solve real operational challenges and deliver mission-ready capabilities where and when they are needed most.
“We’re invested in Moore County and in the military and veteran community that call this region home,” said Thomas Klonk, chief executive officer of AVA Technologies. “This new facility represents far more than a hangar, and it will serve as AVA Technologies’ headquarters, aviation operations hub, and systems integration center: a facility for developing, testing, and fielding operationally ready technologies that deliver capability on strategically relevant timelines. As we continue to grow our team and capabilities, Moore County Airport provides the ideal environment to support our long-term vision building advanced defense technologies, creating high-skilled jobs, and establishing a strategic location that will support our customers and national security missions for years to come.”
Natalie Hawkins, president of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership, emphasized the broader economic impact of the project.
“These new hangars represent much more than new buildings. They represent new opportunities for Moore County,” Hawkins said. “The investment being made by these companies will generate economic activity, create high-quality jobs, and contribute to our local tax base for years to come. Projects like this reinforce Moore County’s reputation as a premier destination for business investment and demonstrate the important role our airport plays in supporting economic development.”
Feature photo: L, R: Natalie Hawkins, president of Moore County Economic Development Partnership, Rep. Neal Jackson, Sen. Tom McInnis, Gregg Brock, president of Titan Echelon, Thomas Klonk, CEO, AVA Technologies, Pat Molamphy, member of N.C. Department of Transportation Board, Nick Picerno, chairman of Moore County Commissioners, Adam Kiker, chairman of Moore County Airport Authority, Tom Adams, Moore County Board of Commissioners, and Jim Von Canon, Moore County Board of Commissioners.
For Moore news delivered straight to your inbox, please click here to sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel e-newsletter.
Contributed article/photo.
