Written by Abbey Williams // Graphic by Makayla McDonald

The Searcy airport underwent a name change as part of the city’s efforts to update the town and to more accurately recognize the airport’s facilities. The Searcy City Council voted Jan. 4 to change the airport’s name from “Searcy Municipal Airport” to “Searcy Regional Airport.”

This change not only allows the airport to be more recognizable for eclipse viewers to find, but it promotes the status of the airport per the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) guidelines. Airport manager Roger Pearson saw the renaming as a welcome change.

“We have actually met the FAA’s requirements for a regional airport for a while,” Pearson said. “The renaming is really for recognition.”

These guidelines, established by the FAA, dictate what and how much travel can be done by an airport. Under the FAA’s guidelines of what a regional airport should fulfill, the recognition of a regional airport means that the Searcy airport should “support regional economies by connecting communities to regional and national markets.”

The city of Searcy has made new changes in many events and departments to update the city. Mayor Mat Faulkner saw the renaming of the airport as an update that would uplift Searcy.

“The recent name change from ‘Searcy Municipal Airport’ to ‘Searcy Regional Airport’ is indicative of the quality of facilities and services we provide, as well as our goals for growth and future expansion,” Faulkner said.

This change continued the trend of updates to the city of Searcy and its businesses in preparation for the eclipse. Faulkner said he felt confident this would continue to connect Searcy and benefit the city’s economy.

“I commend our airport director, Roger Pearson, and the airport commission for their vision,” Faulkner said. “Our airport is one of our community’s strongest assets. Aerospace is also one of our top four areas of focus in our recently released economic development strategy. There is a ton of potential through collaboration between our airport, educational institutions and industry. I’m excited our city council approved the name change, and I believe it will serve us well into Searcy’s future.”

All parties were hopeful for the airport’s continued success and what it could mean for Searcy residents. The Searcy Airport Commission, led by Matt House, meets every first Wednesday of the month at noon. These meetings are open to residents’ ideas and suggestions.