The Johnson County Airport Commission will celebrate the opening of a newly rebuilt taxiway at Johnson County Executive Airport. This taxiway is the second of three major taxiways or runways to be fully reconstructed due to the previous infrastructure surpassing its expected service life. The Airport Commission opened the primary runway on Nov. 22, 2020 and taxiway bravo is expected to be rebuilt in the summer of 2022.

What: Ribbon cutting ceremony

When: 10 to 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 22

Where: Johnson County Executive Airport (15335 Pflumm Rd., Olathe)

Who is invited: Media and general public

Event details: A World War II era PE-26 and a Stearman PT13 built in 1940 will be onsite during the ribbon cutting. The PT-13 plane served as the initial trainer for Naval pilots and was used at the Olathe Naval Air Station to train pilots such as John Glenn who earned his military wings at the Olathe Naval Station. Both of Johnson County’s airports – New Century Air Center and Executive Airport – were previously part of the Olathe Naval Air Station system. Following the ribbon cutting, there will be a reception at Kansas City Air Center, 15325 S. Pflumm Rd., Olathe.

Speakers:

• United States Representative Sharice L. Davids
• Chairman Ed Eilert, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
• John Wittenborn, Johnson County Airport Commission Secretary
• Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara, 3^rd District, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners
• Ray Ryan, project manager for Burns & McDonnell

The event will conclude with a ribbon cutting in conjunction with the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. Additional event details can be found at jocogov.org/ExecutiveAirport.

Directions: At the intersection of 151st Street and Pflumm Road, go east. Enter by turning right (south) off east bound 151St Street by the large Executive Airport rock sign. Please see the graphic below for parking information.