RIDGELAND, S.C. (WTOC) – Claude Dean Airport is poised for a big year—and big upgrades—in Jasper County.
The Ridgeland airport opened its gates to the public for tours and demonstrations on Thursday as officials outlined several expansion projects aimed at improving safety, accommodating growth, and boosting workforce development with local students.
Airport Traffic
Airport Manager Leonard Sansone, who officially stepped into the role in January, says traffic is already surging.
About 7,000 flights have arrived or departed so far this year, and the airport is trending toward more than 25,000 flight operations by the end of 2026.
Airport Upgrades
“Airports are things that always grow,” Sansone said. “They are always going to be expanding; the growth never ends.”
That growth includes multiple upgrades across the airport’s roughly 300-acre footprint, which currently includes one runway and four taxi lanes.
Officials say plans are in motion to widen some taxi lanes, build additional hangars, and update the pilots’ lounge.
One of the most notable additions is a new helipad outfitted with runway-style lighting—designed to create a clearer, safer landing zone for LifeFlight helicopters.
“The crews know exactly where that helicopter is going to be positioned,” Sansone said. “And it’s going to make it a lot safer experience.”
Claude Dean Airport also continues to be a key economic driver, bringing over $4 million in impact to Jasper County, according to airport officials.
Several of the airport’s upcoming projects are already funded by the county, with work expected to begin later this year.
Focus on Workforce Development
Along with infrastructure improvements, the airport is also partnering with the Jasper County School District through the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program—introducing students to aviation-related opportunities and training.
“This opens up that avenue and adds a different flair to our programs,” said Dr. Stephanie Hart, the district’s CTE director.
Thursday’s spotlight was on the district’s drone program, which has won back-to-back state championships and is preparing to compete nationally this summer.
Officials say the airport partnership helps students connect classroom learning to real-world aviation careers.
“Our drone program has just really taken off,” Hart said. “A lot of students are interested in drones; they’re interested in aviation. This excites them.”
Airport leaders say the school partnership is still new, but they’re already exploring additional training programs to connect more students to careers in aviation.