With its modern design and expertly planned layout, Johnston Regional Airport’s new terminal is poised to elevate corporate travel in the region, support economic growth, and provide a first-class experience for all users.
- Client: Johnston County
- Location: Smithfield, NC
- Size: 12,262 SF
- Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build
Strategic Location for Business Travelers
Positioned to serve corporate travelers bound for destinations south of Raleigh and major employers throughout Johnston County, Johnston Regional Airport is strengthening its role as a key gateway for business and economic development. Recognizing that the former terminal was undersized and no longer met the expectations of today’s corporate flyers, the Johnston Regional Airport Authority set out to create a stylish, first-class facility tailored to the needs of business aviation.
Collaborative Design Effort
To bring this vision to life, the Airport Authority engaged WK Dickson as the airport engineer and partnered with Boomerang Design to plan and design a new terminal adjacent to the existing facility. The original terminal was removed to expand the apron, improving aircraft circulation and capacity while positioning the airport for future growth.
Innovative Terminal Design
The new 12,262 SF terminal is organized around a bright, welcoming lobby with a soaring volume and a dramatic curtain wall that frames views of the apron and runway. Serving as the heart of the building, the lobby clearly defines the line between private pilot-focused areas and semi-public zones for passengers, guests, and business users, simplifying wayfinding and elevating the overall experience.
Comfort + Functionality in the Lobby
Carefully designed for both comfort and functionality, the lobby features a welcoming fireplace, a dedicated sales counter, and spacious seating areas that evoke a relaxed, club-like ambiance for travelers and flight crews. It opens onto a large, covered airside patio, providing a sheltered front-row view of the apron and runway—underscoring the terminal’s status as a premier destination for corporate and general aviation.
Dedicated Support Areas for Professionals
At the north end of the building, flight professionals and line service support areas are deliberately grouped to maximize efficiency. A dedicated airside entrance offers direct access to the apron, enabling quick turnarounds, smooth operations, and secure after-hours entry—essential benefits for busy corporate and charter clients.
Comprehensive Resources for Economic Development
The south end of the terminal houses Airport Administration offices, Johnston County Economic Development resources, and a versatile conference room designed for staff meetings, stakeholder briefings, and business development events. By bringing aviation operations and economic development together in one location, the terminal becomes more than just a gateway—it actively helps attract new investment and drives regional growth.
With its contemporary design, strategic layout, and business-oriented amenities, the new Johnston Regional Airport terminal is set to provide a first-class experience for corporate travelers while strengthening the airport’s pivotal role in Johnston County’s economic future.