Reading Regional Airport officials detailed upcoming expansion projects and economic growth opportunities during a press conference Friday, previewing the 2025 Reading Aviation Expo scheduled for October 10–11.
Airport Director Zackary Tempesco said the facility currently contributes about $78 million annually to the Berks County economy and is working to increase that figure in the coming years. He highlighted recent partnerships with Quest Diagnostics and NetJets, a major charter aviation company that signed a lease with the airport in May.
“NetJets is expected to begin jet maintenance operations here in early 2026,” Tempesco said, noting the company’s arrival will bring new jobs and additional investment to the region.
To meet rising demand for aircraft storage in the Northeast, the airport is planning to build three new hangars on its west apron, including a 24,000-square-foot facility and two 15,000-square-foot facilities. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
Tempesco said the airport has also invested in apron repaving, lighting, and other behind-the-scenes upgrades. A key part of the strategy, he noted, has been the decision to operate its own Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) services, giving the airport more flexibility to attract tenants.
Reading Aviation Expo Events
Now in its fourth year, the Reading Aviation Expo is designed to connect the community with the airport and showcase aviation opportunities. The event includes:
- NetJets Aviation Career Fair – Friday, October 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the airport terminal. Admission is free. More than 30 exhibitors will participate, including corporate aviation, military, and airline representatives. NetJets will be accepting applications for aviation maintenance technicians.
- WEEU Hangar Party – Friday, October 10, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Reading Aviation’s main hangar. The 21+ event will feature live music by Brass Pocket, with food and drinks available for purchase.
- Aeros and Autos Car Show – Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the airport’s main ramp. The family-friendly show will feature cars, fly-in aircraft, food vendors, helicopter rides, flight simulators, and drone racing.
Tickets for the WEEU Hangar Party and the Aeros and Autos Car Show are available at www.readingaviationexpo.org.
The Berks County Intermediate Unit will participate in the career fair as part of its Career Ready Berks program, which connects students from all 18 county school districts with potential employers. Officials said the partnership aims to introduce students to aviation careers beyond piloting, including fields such as engineering, finance, and ground operations.
“This event is really about showing students and the community that aviation is more than flying planes—it’s a wide range of career opportunities right here in Berks County,” Tempesco said.
The Reading Aero Club, a founding partner of the expo, will also have aircraft on display throughout the weekend.
