Delta self check-in terminals are seen in the Valdosta Regional Airport Passenger Terminal.

On Jan. 1 of this year Jim Galloway was appointed the new director and manager of the Valdosta Regional Airport.

As a child, Galloway wanted to become a doctor. However, during a spring break visit to an airport, Galloway found his passion in flying.

“I fell in love with airplanes. Once I knew that, I went home and told my parents I found what I was meant to do,” said Galloway.

Throughout college and at the age of 23, Galloway flew corporate planes for Captain D’s and Shoney’s.

From 2004 to 2006, Galloway was a commander for the 347 Mission Support at Moody Air Force Base.  

Galloway has many accomplishments under his belt. He graduated under Leadership Lowndes in 2005 and holds two master’s degrees, one in Strategic Studies and another in Political Science.

Galloway says that his passion for his career is so sincere that it does not feel like a job: “When you are doing something you love, it is not work.”

Galloway says that the Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority is made up of six members, three from the city and three from the county. The main responsibility of the authority is to construct, own, maintain, expand and operate any public airports in Lowndes County.

The authority partners with the Advanced ATC offering an air traffic control tower which gives hands-on learning experience to tower students from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

Due to Wiregrass offering a simulator facility on campus, students have an opportunity to earn more skills through the authority and ATC partnership. Students from all over the United States are opened to this opportunity.

Galloway has much pride in the authority’s free parking at the airport as well as the increase in departing passengers since 2008.

The local airport has increased and enhanced security measures, allowing more security for general aviation and commercial traveling. This is reinforced for security in the public sector traveling both in and out of the airport.

Currently the airport provides inbound and outbound flights to Atlanta. Departure flights are 5:45 a.m., 11:51 a.m. and 5:40 p.m. Arrivals typically run 11:26 a.m., 5:14 p.m. and 8:20 p.m.

“Your local airport runway is the most important main street in town,” said Galloway.

The airport has four businesses in aviation, including 52 full-time employees, 40 part-time employees and 10 part-time contracted employees.

Galloway adds that OASIS Aviation partners with the authority by offering training for people wanting to learn airplane mechanics and aircraft rental. Rental for commercial and corporate flights is available.

Future plans for the airport are underway. An airfield drainage project is set to begin in late summer or early fall.

In the works is an airport rescue and firefighting building and vehicle replacement, control tower replacement and a general aviation terminal replacement.

Soon there will be exterior and interior remodeling taking place to be aligned with the Valdosta State University colors and theme.

Galloway hopes to expand air service to and from Valdosta and would like locals to understand that the airport offers free parking and is more than just an airport.