Bridgeport’s Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford has struggled for years, but things might finally be looking up. New York-based Sky Harbour is moving ahead with plans to build and run three private jet hangars on a quiet corner of the property.
They’re actively negotiating with city and airport officials right now. The plan could bring new money to Bridgeport, fresh tax revenue for Stratford, and a valuable business aviation asset for all of Fairfield County.
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Sky Harbour’s Private Jet Plan for Sikorsky Memorial Airport
Sky Harbour wants to transform 11 underused acres at Sikorsky Memorial into a modern, private-jet hangar campus. The facility would serve business aviation users who care about reliability, privacy, and being close to major markets.
Neil Szymczak, Sky Harbour’s senior vice president, says demand for business jet hangar space in the New York metro area is fierce. Sikorsky’s location—just minutes from downtown Bridgeport and close to I-95 and Route 8—gives it a real edge over airports like White Plains, Teterboro, or even New Haven.
Who the Airport Expansion Is Designed to Serve
The new hangar complex would cater to:
Sky Harbour calls this a “home base” model. Aircraft get stored, serviced, and managed right on-site, with crews and support staff working from the same campus for efficiency.
Financial Boost for Bridgeport and Stratford
Bridgeport owns Sikorsky Memorial Airport, and this project could help turn a money-losing operation into something more sustainable. The airport has been a financial drag for years, but officials see a path to steadier rental income and private investment.
Stratford, where the airport actually sits, would benefit too. The town would collect more property and personal property taxes from the new hangars, equipment, and based aircraft. That’s a big deal for towns trying to grow their tax base without hiking up residential rates.
Regional Impact Across Connecticut
This project’s impact won’t just stop at Stratford or Bridgeport. Business leaders in Fairfield, Trumbull, Milford, Norwalk, and Danbury might find it easier to attract and keep companies that want access to business aviation.
In a state where regions often compete for growth, Sikorsky’s revival could give southwestern Connecticut a boost.
Private Jets Now, Commercial Flights Later?
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim keeps saying he wants to bring commercial passenger service back to Sikorsky Memorial Airport. That hasn’t happened in decades.
For now, though, the Sky Harbour plan is all about private and corporate aircraft. City officials say the new hangars wouldn’t block future commercial flights. They see this as a way to stabilize the airport’s finances and infrastructure, making it more appealing if airlines ever show interest again.
Balancing Growth and Neighborhood Concerns
Local leaders, like Stratford Mayor David Chess and State Rep. Joseph Gresko, back the project but recognize that nearby neighborhoods have long worried about airport noise.
Sky Harbour says their footprint will stay modest. The new campus should house just 15 to 20 aircraft, with limited operations meant to cut down on noise overnight and early in the morning. Folks in Lordship and the East End will definitely be watching to see if those promises hold up.
Lease Conflicts and the Path to a Deal
There’s a wrinkle here: another airport tenant already holds a seven-year lease on hangar space Sky Harbour wants to use. Negotiations will have to get creative so everyone can share the airfield.
Even with that snag, Sky Harbour execs and Bridgeport officials seem optimistic. Maybe they’ll share facilities, rework the space, or phase in development over time—nobody’s ruling anything out yet.
What Comes Next for Sikorsky Memorial Airport
The Bridgeport Airport Commission has already given the green light to start formal negotiations with Sky Harbour. That’s a pretty big step from vague ideas to something real.
Over the next few months, folks in Bridgeport, Stratford, and nearby towns like Shelton and Westport will probably hear a lot more about traffic, noise, jobs, and when all this might actually happen.
Here is the source article for this story: Plan for new business jet hangars could boost revenue at underused Sikorsky Airport
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