Matt Harris, Chairman, Music City Executive Airport

In an interview with Invest:, Matt Harris, chairman of Music City Executive Airport, discussed recent infrastructure upgrades, economic impact, and long-term sustainability efforts. “We ended our fiscal year with a surplus and operated without any financial support from the Sumner County budget,” Harris said.

What changes over the past year have most impacted the airport, and in what ways?
One of the most transformative developments was securing $10 million in state funding for the terminal redesign and relocation. That commitment opens the door to the next era of growth for the airport. Our current schedule anticipates construction beginning in early 2026.
We also completed a $5 million midfield ramp expansion funded through a combination of state and federal grants. This expansion will allow us to attract additional aviation businesses, particularly aircraft maintenance operations and new hangar development for aircraft storage. Together, these projects represent two of the most significant investments in our airport’s history and will meaningfully improve access for all of our users.
Another major milestone came late last year when the FAA elevated Music City Executive from a regional to a nationally ranked general aviation airport. Only three airports in Tennessee hold that designation — John C. Tune, Smyrna, and now Music City Executive. This recognition places us in the FAA’s top tier and increases our access to federal funding. It was a significant accomplishment for both the airport and the county.

What role does Music City Executive Airport play in the regional economy, and how is that evolving?
As Middle Tennessee continues to grow, Music City Executive has become an increasingly important economic engine. Jet Access, one of our fixed-base operators, opened a new aircraft maintenance facility last year that services both Cirrus and Embraer aircraft. That facility stays near capacity and continues to expand job opportunities in the region.
Corporate jet traffic is also increasing. NetJets now makes regular stops here, with their aircraft on the ramp daily. This growth reinforces our role as a reliever airport, helping ease congestion at Nashville International and John C. Tune while keeping more economic activity in Gallatin.

How is the economic landscape influencing your strategy?
We developed a five-year operational budget as a forecasting tool to guide decisions on expenses, rates, and investment priorities. As a result, we ended the fiscal year with a surplus for the first time and operated without requesting any funding from the Sumner County budget.
By transforming the airport into a more professional, business-oriented operation, we’ve strengthened the revenue side of the airport. That shift has allowed us to fund our required local matches on state and federal grants, typically 10% to 20%, without seeking support from county taxpayers.
Funding remains the most significant variable in long-term planning. Statewide aviation funding fluctuates year to year, and future projections indicate that levels may tighten as certain revenue sources expire. That volatility will limit the number of capital projects general aviation airports can pursue. Airports without strong self-sustaining models may struggle, which is why long-term financial independence remains central to our strategy.

How is Music City Executive Airport responding to emerging aviation technology?
While aviation as a whole has been slow to adopt new technologies, we’re taking advantage of opportunities where we can. We’re updating our phone systems, undertaking a full website redesign, and implementing digital tools to improve communication, transparency, and customer service.
We’re also fortunate to have a diverse and highly skilled board. One of our members is the CEO of a software and web development company. After reviewing several airport management platforms and finding none that met our needs, he tapped his development team to build a custom, cloud-based airport management system for us. This new tool will fundamentally streamline day-to-day operations and deliver a significantly improved experience for our users.

What makes Music City Executive Airport competitive within the region, and how do you continue to differentiate?
Our greatest advantage is location. We’re 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Nashville, and the airport is exceptionally easy to access. Being outside Nashville International Airport’s controlled airspace also creates smoother, more efficient operations for pilots — a major differentiator.
We also offer a 6,300-foot runway, which accommodates virtually all corporate aircraft up to approximately 100,000 pounds. That capability clearly sets us apart from many regional airports.

What policy changes might affect future planning and growth for general aviation airports?
Funding remains one of the most influential factors. While statewide aviation funding is currently strong, several revenue sources that support those levels are scheduled to phase out. As funding normalizes in future years, general aviation airports may have fewer capital projects they can pursue.
This is why self-sufficiency is essential. Airports that rely heavily on annual funding allocations may face challenges as dollars tighten. Our strategy is focused on sustainability so we can continue to advance our capital program regardless of annual funding swings.

What are your top strategic priorities for the next couple of years?
Our immediate focus is securing partners to lease land and develop corporate hangars and the new terminal. Completing those partnerships will allow us to finalize the ramp expansions and position the airport for decades of growth.
My goal is that within the next 18 months, we will have positioned the airport for the next 20 years. Within three to five years, I expect the airfield to be largely built out from a construction standpoint.
As my term ends in roughly two and a half years, I want the airport to operate with the discipline and structure of a well-run business, ensuring future boards inherit a sustainable long-term model.

What role do your partners play in the day-to-day success of the airport?
Our fixed-base operators, Jet Access and Flight Solutions, serve as the front line of customer service. They manage fueling, aircraft handling, and most daily interactions with pilots and passengers. Their performance directly shapes the airport experience.
The airport authority itself has only a full-time airport manager and a part-time administrative assistant. Everyone else working on the field is employed by one of our private partners, and their dedication is a major driver of our success.