/PRNewswire/ -- Rider Jet Center, a comprehensive Fixed Base Operator (FBO), is marking a summer filled with notable progress including substantial infrastructure developments, peak operational increases, important national aviation collaborations, and ongoing community involvement.

"Expanding our fueling systems while aiding military missions, scientific studies and training for future pilots has made this one of the most active and rewarding summers in our history," stated Ben Rider, CEO of Rider Jet Center. "This progress highlights the rising importance of Hagerstown Regional Airport as a key aviation center for the Mid-Atlantic region."

Investing in Infrastructure to Meet Growing Demand

To handle rising aircraft movements and fuel needs, Rider Jet Center is partnering with Washington County on upgrades to the county-owned fuel farm, which includes bringing a long-idle county fuel tank back into operation.

Collaborating with the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF) and supported by funding from the George Edwards Fund, Rider Jet Center is examining and restoring the 15,000-gallon tank that has sat unused since 2003. The effort will finish at zero expense to Washington County and will help Rider Jet Center sustain reliable fueling, storage and stock levels.

Fuel sales confirm the demand for added capacity. From 2024 to 2025, total Jet A fuel dispensed rose more than 40 percent, while retail and non-contract sales climbed over 70 percent. With growing military, government and corporate flight activity already occurring at Hagerstown Regional Airport, 2026 appears set to surpass prior figures.

Supporting Critical Missions Across Aviation

This summer Rider Jet Center hosted numerous military, government and research aircraft at Hagerstown Regional Airport.

Key events included accommodating the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Twin Otter research plane for over two weeks while scientists performed air quality studies under the SOCCER-AQ project. The airborne lab aided atmospheric research and assisted planning plus extra monitoring for the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary events and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Rider Jet Center also backed extensive military activity throughout the summer, receiving many aircraft from the U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy, among them an F/A-18 Super Hornet.

As the sole civilian FBO among Maryland's 34 public-use airports cleared to supply government and military contract fuel, Rider Jet Center remains an essential asset for military and government aviation in the area.

Celebrating Business and Community Success

The summer also delivered business and community highlights at the airport. South Mountain Aviation, based at Rider Jet Center, secured its FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certification following an 18-month process. The certification was presented by the FAA's Baltimore Flight Standards District Office Manager Greg Travis to South Mountain Aviation founders Ian Terry and Jayce Keefer. It permits the firm to conduct regulated maintenance, repair and overhaul work and return aircraft to service with FAA airworthiness approvals.

The young firm has built expertise in servicing and maintaining various small jets throughout the Mid-Atlantic. In just two-and-a-half years since launch, South Mountain Aviation has gained recognition as a reliable provider of small-jet maintenance, noted for safe and effective repair solutions. It has earned the nickname as the preferred choice for small jet upkeep. Per the FAA, South Mountain Aviation holds certification to deliver regulated maintenance, repair and overhaul services on aircraft and components and to officially return them to service with airworthiness approvals.

In addition, the award-winning Grille at Runways, located at Rider Jet Center, held a sold-out Maker's Mark Bourbon Dinner on June 24 that featured Maker's Mark Master Distiller Dr. Blake Layfield. The four-course bourbon-paired meal attracted guests from across the region and underscored the airport's expanding role as a community gathering spot.

Looking Ahead

The active summer is preparing the way for a busy fall at Rider Jet Center. Plans are advancing for the 15th annual Hangarfest on Sept. 27, which supports breast cancer awareness efforts and unites aviation fans with the local community.

Rider Jet Center is also readying its 20th Annual Aviation Education and Career Expo on Nov. 6. The free event, the largest of its type in the Mid-Atlantic, links students with aviation career paths and will distribute more than $200,000 in scholarships this year. Since it began, the expo has helped distribute more than $2 million in scholarships to aspiring aviation professionals.

"While we keep investing in our facilities and broadening our services, we take pride in assisting everyone from military pilots and research scientists to corporate travelers, local families and future aviation professionals," said Ben Rider. "The outlook for aviation in Hagerstown has never looked stronger."

About Rider Jet Center
Rider Jet Center is a full-service Fixed Base Operator at Hagerstown Regional Airport, recognized for its customer-first focus, premium amenities and on-site jet and propeller maintenance. Serving both civilian and military clients, it delivers seamless aviation support with emphasis on hospitality, efficiency and operational excellence. See: www.riderjetcenter.com.

SOURCE Rider Jet Center