Tune Up: New Tower Opens at John C. Tune Airport

WEST NASHVILLE – A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday, September 8 to mark the opening of the new air traffic control tower at John C. Tune Airport (JWN). The 99-foot tower adds to a growing list of enhancements that are raising the bar for Tennessee’s busiest general aviation airport.

MNAA Board Chairman William H. Freeman cuts the ceremonial ribbon to commemorate the opening of the new air traffic control tower at JWN.

The new $10.1 million air traffic control tower at JWN is 99 feet tall.

Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) President and CEO Doug Kreulen and Board Chairman William H. Freeman, along with State Commissioner of Transportation Clay Bright were on hand for the occasion.

MNAA President and CEO Doug Kreulen makes opening remarks at the dedication ceremony.

“The addition of an air traffic control tower enhances the safety and operational efficiency of John C. Tune Airport,” said Kreulen. “The tower adds to the progress of ‘Tune Taking Off,’ a multi-faceted redevelopment plan for the airport. It will play a critical role as aviation activity increases at JWN.”

A controller monitors an inbound flight from the new tower at JWN.

Built by JE Dunn Construction and designed by Pond & Company and Atkins North America, the 99-foot tower is operated by air traffic controllers provided by Robinson Aviation Inc., a company contracted by the FAA Federal Contract Tower program.  Total cost of the tower is $10.1 million, paid for from a combination of MNAA funds and state grants.

A controller tracks traffic with flight progress sticks in the new tower at JWN.

The tower opening comes on the heels of last month’s groundbreaking for the ambitious redevelopment plan for JWN. Underway now is phase 1, which will add both new aviation facilities and replace structures destroyed in the March 3, 2020 tornado. As part of this phase, the design-build team of Messer Construction and Garver will build expanded ramp areas, add a new airport access point, construct 12 T-hangar buildings with 78 hangar bays totaling 96,720 square feet, four box hangar buildings with 12 hangar bays totaling 43,200 square feet and two shade port buildings with 10 bays totaling 14,235 square feet. Phase 1 is estimated to cost approximately $34.5 million and be complete by spring 2022.

A plane carrying Tennessee Governor Bill Lee landed at JWN during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the airport’s new air traffic control tower.

Located west of downtown off Cockrill Bend Blvd., John C. Tune Airport is the reliever airport for Nashville International Airport. It serves the needs of corporate and private aircraft.

According to a recent study, in 2019 alone, JWN generated more than $1.4 million in state and local taxes, supported more than 350 jobs in the region and produced a total of $21.1 million of wages and salaries.

Photos by Ed Atlas. Reporting provided by Metro Nashville Airport Authority.