Reading Regional Airport

What Reading Regional Airport does

Reading Regional Airport (RDG), legally and historically known as General Carl A. Spaatz Field, is a publicly owned general aviation airport operated by the Reading Regional Airport Authority (RRAA), a government entity serving Reading and Southeastern Pennsylvania. The airfield, established in the late 1930s as a WPA project and dedicated in October 1939, operates two runways on a 24/7/365 basis and includes FAA-mandated safety infrastructure such as an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) at the Runway 31 approach and completed Runway Safety Area improvements. RDG serves corporate and business aviation, charter operators, flight training, medical transport, and law enforcement/government users, with a stated metropolitan catchment of more than 300,000 people.

The core operating product is Reading Aviation FBO, which became the sole Fixed Base Operator at the airport in January 2024 after RRAA acquired the two incumbent FBOs. Reading Aviation delivers full-service aviation fuel (100LL at $6.99/gal, JET-A at $6.30/gal, JET-A+ at $6.41/gal as of mid-2026), ramp handling, de-icing, GPU, lavatory, potable water, towing, quick-turns, cargo handling, and crew/passenger amenities including conference facilities, Wi-Fi, shower, and restaurant access. The airport's product surface extends to private jet charter coordination through Air Charter Advisors, hangar and T-hangar leasing (including two new 15,000 SF G550-capable hangars on the West Apron), on-site car rental (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National), a flight school (Top Flight of Reading), a flying club with 50+ pilot members (Reading Aero Club), Boscov's Travel charter flights to Orlando, the adjacent Holiday Inn Express, the on-site Klinger's restaurant, and the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum hosting the annual WWII Weekend Air Show.

The airport generates revenue through transactional fuel sales, recurring hangar/land/building leases, FBO ground-handling fees, parking (free to most users), and the Airport Land Development Zone (ALDZ) program offering $2,100 per net new aviation-related job to incentivize on-airport industrial tenants. Go-to-market is a hybrid of direct enterprise engagement through the FBO, channel partnerships for charter and car rental, event-driven community marketing (WWII Weekend, Reading Aviation Expo, 5K, Fly-In Car Show), and earned media through local tourism bureaus and news outlets. The customer base spans enterprise operators (Quest Diagnostics with 24 based aircraft, NetJets, Wheels Up, Air Charter Advisors), small businesses and consumers (flight school, flying club, travelers), and government users (State Police, County Sheriff, congressional offices).

Name

Reading Regional Airport

Legal name

Reading Regional Airport

Website

https://readingairport.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1939

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Reading Regional Airport Authority operates a publicly owned general aviation airport (RDG/Spaatz Field) in Reading, Pennsylvania, running two 24/7 runways with its sole FBO (Reading Aviation) providing fuel, ground handling, hangar leasing, charter coordination, flight training, and ancillary commercial services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

General Aviation Airport Services

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811), Other Airport Operations (488119), Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581), Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation Infrastructure Agencies (Public Airports, Airfield Ops, Ground Access) (BPAIALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Private Aviation Terminals & FBO Services (THABAFAH), Private Aviation Ground Support & Trip Services (Dispatch, Permits, Handling) (THABAFAK)

Keywords

• General aviation airport
• Fixed base operator
• Aviation fuel services
• Aircraft hangar leasing
• Private charter services

Headquarters

HQ city

North Reading

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Fuel Sales: Revenue from aviation fuel sales including 100LL, JET-A, and JET-A+ through Reading Aviation FBO. Current pricing: 100LL at $6.99/gal, JET-A at $6.30/gal, JET-A+ at $6.41/gal.
2. Hangar and Land Leasing: Revenue from leasing hangar space (including new 15,000 SF facilities with 12,000 SF hangar space and 3,000 SF office space), T-hangars (41ft x 35ft), land development, and buildings.
3. Parking Services: Free parking to terminal patrons, charter customers, restaurant customers, car rentals, and law enforcement. Revenue generated through airport operations and foot traffic.
4. Ground Handling and FBO Services: Full range of ground services including towing, quick-turns, cargo, de-icing, GPU, lavatory, potable water, maintenance, detailing, rental cars, crew cars, shuttle service, catering, and conference facilities.
5. Charter and Flight Services: Revenue from private jet charter coordination through Air Charter Advisors, flight school (Top Flight of Reading), flying club memberships (Reading Aero Club with 50+ pilot members), and travel agency services (Boscov's Travel).
6. Economic Development and ALDZ: Revenue generated through Airport Land Development Zone (ALDZ) program encouraging aviation-related jobs, with $2100 tax credit per net new job created.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Reading Regional Airport operates a general aviation airport and full-service transportation center through the Reading Regional Airport Authority (RRAA), delivering aviation fuel, aircraft ground handling, hangar and land leasing, charter coordination, flight training, and ancillary on-site services across two runways operating 24/7/365. As the sole Fixed Base Operator since January 2024, RRAA provides transparent fuel pricing (100LL, JET-A, JET-A+), de-icing, GPU, lavatory, and ramp services, while hosting flight schools, a flying club, car rentals, an on-site restaurant, lodging, and the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.

Product overview

Reading Regional Airport (RDG), also known as General Carl A. Spaatz Field, is a general aviation airport and full-service transportation center serving Southeastern Pennsylvania. The airport operates as a hub offering multiple integrated services: the Reading Aviation FBO serves as the primary core product providing fuel services (100LL, Jet-A), aircraft maintenance, and ground handling; private jet charter services through Air Charter Advisors enable worldwide air travel; hangar and office space leasing supports corporate aviation operations; and ancillary services include car rental (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National), airport restaurant (Klinger's), flight school (Top Flight of Reading), flying club (Reading Aero Club), travel agency (Boscov's Travel), hotel (Holiday Inn Express), and the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. The airport hosts major events including the Reading Aviation Expo and WWII Weekend Air Show. Two runways operate 24/7/365 serving corporate flights, charter operations, flight training, and medical specimen transport (Quest Diagnostics with 24 based aircraft).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Reading Aviation FBO Full-service Fixed Base Operator offering aviation fuel (100LL, JET-A, JET-A+) with posted full-service pricing including taxes, ramp services, de-icing, GPU, lavatory, potable water, towing, quick-turns, cargo handling, aircraft maintenance and detailing, conference room, Wi-Fi, crew lounge, and catering coordination. Located at 20 Liberator Way, Reading PA 19605; operates 06:00–23:00 daily with after-hours service on request.
• Private Jet Charter Services On-demand private jet charter coordination through Air Charter Advisors providing business and executive charter, air ambulance, pet-friendly flights, cargo charter, aircraft management, and aircraft sales/acquisitions worldwide with 24/7 operations support from Reading Aviation FBO.
• Hangar Space Leasing Two new hangars on West Apron Drive, each with 15,000 SF total (12,000 SF hangar space and 3,000 SF office space), 28-foot hangar doors, accommodating aircraft up to Gulfstream G550; available for lease through the Reading Regional Airport Authority.
• T-Hangar Leasing T-Hangars measuring 41 feet wide by 35 feet deep available for lease at Reading Regional Airport for individual aircraft storage.
• Airport ID Badge and Ground Vehicle Operations Training Security ID badge application and Ground Vehicle Operations Training services for airport personnel; ID badges valid for 24 calendar months with $40 fee, and annual GVOT training required.
• Steve's Landavator Services (A&P/IA Maintenance) A&P and IA aircraft maintenance services located on-field providing 50-hour, 100-hour, and annual inspections plus aircraft washing, cleaning, parts, and accessories.
• Open Hangar Detail (Aircraft Detailing) Exterior and interior aircraft detailing services provided by V1 Flight Group LLC in partnership with Reading Aviation FBO under the Open Hangar Detail brand.
• Airport Snow Operations Snow removal services with dedicated crew, machinery equipped to handle any snow or blizzard conditions, plus a dedicated snow operations phone line (610-372-9589) to keep runways operational during winter weather.
• Airport Parking Free passenger parking lot adjacent to the Terminal Building available to airline charter customers, Klinger's restaurant patrons and employees, car rentals, Berks County Sheriff's Department, PA State Representatives, and Airport Authority patrons.

Quantifiable outcome

• $77,984,700 annual economic impact (2022 study)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• Air Charter AdvisorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAir Charter Advisors provides on-demand private jet charter services from Reading Aviation FBO, with access to thousands of aircraft worldwide. Available within hours with 24/7 operations team support. Services include business/executive charters, air ambulance, pet-friendly flights, cargo charters, and aircraft management.
• Mid-Atlantic Air MuseumflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated at Reading Regional Airport (Spaatz Field), the museum collects, restores, and displays historic military planes and classic airliners. Hosts the premier WWII Weekend Air Show annually in June for over three decades.
• Boscov's TravelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoscov's Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner offering non-stop charter flights from Reading Regional Airport to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Flights depart on select Sundays through spring and fall, returning Saturday.
• Aviation Council of PAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Reading Aviation Expo 2026 (46th Annual PA Aviation Conference). Joint event to be held October 7-9, 2026.
• AeriummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Reading Aviation Expo 2026. Collaboration for annual aviation conference and expo event.
• Aviation Foundation of PAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Reading Aviation Expo 2026. Collaboration for annual aviation conference and career fair.
• Avis Budget GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAvis and Budget car rental services available at Reading Regional Airport (RDG location). Part of Avis Budget Group providing car rental options for airport visitors.
• Enterprise Rent-A-CarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEnterprise provides car rental services at Reading Regional Airport (57ro location). Airport counter and branch serving arriving passengers.
• National Car RentalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational Car Rental provides car rental services at Reading Regional Airport (57rn location). Serves airport customers with rental options.
• Reading Aero ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlying club located at West Ramp with three aircraft and more than 50 pilot members. Club provides meeting space and social gatherings for aviation community.
• Top Flight of ReadingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlight school located on North Ramp at 119c Air Museum Drive. Offers glass cockpit Cessna 172 (IFR) and Piper PA28-160 glass cockpit (IFR) for pilot training.
• Klinger's PubscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKlinger's at the Airport is located within the Reading Regional Airport Terminal in Bern Township. Features 12 taps with 7 dedicated to local craft beer, daily food specials, and Happy Hour 4-6pm. Restaurant provides catering for airport events.
• Holiday Inn Express & SuitesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHoliday Inn Express Reading Airport located just north of center city. Newly renovated hotel offers comfortable rooms, built-in gym, and complimentary breakfast. Convenient airport accommodation option.
• NetJetsminorOthersPart 135 charter operator using RDG on a regular basis for private aviation operations.
• Wheels UpminorOthersPart 135 charter operator using RDG on a regular basis for private aviation operations.
• Steve's Landavator Services LLCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA&P and IA services for minor or major repair and alterations. Provides 50 hour, 100 hour, and annual inspections, aircraft washing/cleaning, and parts/accessories.
• V1 Flight Group LLC (Open Hangar Detail)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExterior and interior aircraft detailing services operating in partnership with Reading Aviation FBO under Open Hangar Detail brand.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP): Regional commercial-service airport in Northeastern PA with general aviation operations; comparable in mid-tier regional positioning but serving a different geographic market than Reading.

Direct peers

• Wings Field (BBX): General aviation reliever in Montgomery County, PA providing FBO fuel, hangar leasing, and charter services; competes for the same corporate aviation customers as Reading Regional in the Philadelphia suburbs.
• Brandywine Airport (KPTW): Small general aviation airport in West Chester, PA offering flight training, fuel, and hangar rentals; directly comparable in customer mix (corporate and recreational) and scale within the greater Philadelphia region.
• Lancaster Airport: General aviation reliever airport in south-central Pennsylvania offering FBO services, hangar leasing, flight training, and charter coordination — directly comparable in scale, customer mix, and service portfolio to Reading Regional.
• Heritage Field (PTW): General aviation airport in Pottstown, PA offering fuel, hangar rentals, and flight training — comparable in size and target customer base to Reading Regional within the same Southeastern PA catchment.

Broad incumbents

• Million Air: National FBO chain with locations across the U.S. providing fuel, hangar, and concierge services; comparable business model to Reading Aviation FBO at a multi-location scale, competing for the same charter and corporate accounts.
• Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): Mid-sized commercial airport in south-central PA with a general aviation component; competes for Mid-Atlantic corporate aviation traffic at a broader scale than Reading Regional.
• Atlantic Aviation: National FBO network with multiple Mid-Atlantic locations providing fuel, ramp, and hangar services; competes as a branded FBO alternative and serves many of the same Part 135 and corporate operators that use RDG.
• Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE): Larger commercial-service airport in Eastern PA serving the same Mid-Atlantic market; competes for corporate and charter traffic while also operating a general aviation FBO, making it a broader incumbent with overlapping capabilities.
• Signature Flight Support: Largest global FBO network; competes for corporate, charter, and Part 135 customers in the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast with a service portfolio (fuel, hangar, ground handling) directly overlapping Reading Aviation FBO.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/reading-regional-airport-auth

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Reading Regional Airport