This article is based on an official press release from Signature Aviation.

Signature Aviation Breaks Ground on $10 Million Expansion at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport

On May 26, 2026, Signature Aviation announced the groundbreaking of a major infrastructure project at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport (ROA). According to an official press release from the company, the development represents an investment of more than $10 million into the Virginia Blue Ridge region’s aviation capabilities.

The project centers on a new 22,000-square-foot aircraft hangar designed to expand storage capacity for modern business aviation. This development follows Signature Aviation’s successful 2024 bid to continue serving as a primary aviation hospitality and support provider at ROA, a relationship that dates back nearly seven decades.

With construction now officially underway, the project highlights a broader initiative by the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals to modernize its facilities and accommodate the evolving dimensions of contemporary corporate aircraft.

Project Specifications and Future-Proofing

The centerpiece of the $10 million investment is the expansive 22,000-square-foot hangar. According to the project specifications outlined in the company’s release, the facility will also feature an attached 3,000-square-foot office complex and a 14-bay parking lot to support flight crews and passengers.

Accommodating the Next Generation of Business Jets

A notable design element of the new hangar is its 28-foot-high door. The company states this strategic clearance is specifically engineered to accommodate the tallest generation of new corporate jets currently entering the market. Construction is being managed by Roanoke-based general contractor Lionberger Construction, with the facility’s completion slated for 2027.

Deepening a Seven-Decade Legacy at ROA

Signature Aviation’s footprint at ROA is historic, originating in 1957 when it operated under the name Piedmont Aviation. The current hangar project is part of a broader, comprehensive renewal of the company’s facilities at the airport aimed at serving a diverse customer base.

Recent Infrastructure Upgrades

Beyond the new hangar and office space, Signature is actively rebuilding its fuel storage infrastructure at the airport. In December 2025, the company completed the installation of a self-serve avgas fuel pump. According to the release, this addition was specifically targeted at providing a cost-effective and convenient refueling option for small piston aircraft owners and pilots, ensuring that general aviation remains supported alongside corporate traffic.

Economic Impact and Local Partnerships

The expansion is expected to bolster ROA’s position as a critical gateway for corporate aviation in the Roanoke Valley. Local leaders have expressed strong support for the development, noting its potential to drive regional economic growth.

“General aviation plays a key role in the economic health of our region, spurring growth through global air connectivity for the Roanoke Valley and far beyond,” said Mike Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, in the press release. “We’re thrilled with Signature’s commitment to building new facilities that will support the growing demand for first-class corporate aviation hangar space and services at ROA. Signature’s investments reflect their confidence in the future business needs of our region and will make ROA more attractive to the aircraft owners, operators, and businesses that rely on this airport.”

AirPro News analysis

We observe that Signature Aviation’s decision to incorporate a 28-foot door clearance is a necessary adaptation in today’s fixed-base operator (FBO) market. As manufacturers introduce ultra-long-range business jets with taller tail heights, legacy hangars frequently fall short of clearance requirements. By future-proofing this facility, Signature ensures ROA remains a viable destination for top-tier corporate traffic. Furthermore, awarding the $10 million contract to a local firm like Lionberger Construction serves as a strategic community investment, reinforcing the company’s long-standing regional ties following its 2024 contract renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• When will the new Signature Aviation hangar at ROA be completed? According to the company, construction is slated for completion in 2027.
• How much is being invested in the project? Signature Aviation is investing more than $10 million into the hangar and office development.
• Who is building the new facility? The project is being led by Lionberger Construction, a local general contractor based in Roanoke.

Sources

• Signature Aviation Press Release