August Member Highlight: Pryor Field Airport Authority
The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce's Member Highlight for August is with Pryor Field Airport Authority located at 22511 Stearnman Way in Tanner. We spoke with Airport Manager Adam Fox to find out more about this organization.
Describe your organization, including the history and services you provide. "Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU) was established in 1941 as a primary training facility for the U.S. Army Air Corps under contract with Southern Airways, Inc. Today, Pryor Field is operated by the Pryor Field Airport Authority (PFAA) and serves as a general aviation airport supporting business aviation, general aviation, military, and cargo operations nationwide. The airport is home to 58 hangars and more than 140 based aircraft."
What makes your organization stand out? "PFAA is guided by three foundational pillars: Safety, Service, and Growth. As the gateway to North Alabama for industries flying in daily, our team is committed to supporting our communities' success through these core values."
How has your organization changed in the last few years? "The PFAA has made significant infrastructure improvements that have shifted the airport’s trajectory. Over the past few years, more than $9 million has been invested in critical upgrades, helping attract over $35 million in third-party investment and paving the way for more than 150 new on-site jobs over the next five years."
What do you see for the future of your organization? "We envision continued investment in airport infrastructure to support growth in aviation-related jobs while increasing airport operations. Additionally, the PFAA is committed to supporting educational initiatives that strengthen workforce development pipelines for the aviation industry."
Describe an exciting recent highlight for your organization. "We’re proud to host the North Alabama Airfest, an annual weekend event celebrating aviation in our region. It’s an opportunity for the community to engage with the industry, enjoy an airshow, and experience our passion for aviation firsthand. This year’s event takes place September 13–14, 2025—and there’s still time for businesses to get involved and for the public to secure tickets!"
What is one of the advantages your organization is seeing right now? "Community support! As awareness grows about the services we offer and the role we play in the region’s growth, we’ve seen an increase in public engagement and backing for our initiatives, events, and long-term vision."
What are the biggest challenges your organization is facing right now? "Like many industries, funding is a challenge. Demand for hangar space and infrastructure to accommodate larger third-party operations is growing rapidly. Meeting that demand requires significant investment."
