Everyone considering a new aviation business should know that the Hudson Valley is a prime location for all of their needs. The New York metro area is the #1 business aviation market in the world, and Dutchess County’s combination of location, resources, infrastructure, and workforce make it clear that it is the perfect home for aviation and the businesses that rely on the industry to succeed.
History of Aviation in Dutchess County
The Hudson Valley Regional Airport (KPOU)—just a few miles from Poughkeepsie in the town of Wappingers Falls—has a storied history. Beginning as a training field during World War II and visited by Winston Churchill, it eventually grew to an essential transportation hub in the tri-state area. The airfield has been frequented by presidents like John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden, as well as thousands of traditional passengers each year.
The aviation industry in Dutchess County has boomed over the last 20 years, in large part because of the airport’s incredibly successful partnership with the Dutchess Community College (DCC) aviation science program. With specialized education in pilot training, aviation maintenance, and aviation management, DCC has supported Dutchess County in becoming an optimal home to establish an aviation business.
Dutchess County is also home to the youngest flight instructor in the country, Gabriel Bubalo, of Up & Away Aviation, who made his first landing when he was just nine years old.
An Ideal Home for Aviation for Years to Come
Four critical sectors that all new aviation businesses should consider come together in Dutchess County: location, workforce, business resources, and infrastructure.
Location
Settled just a 22-minute helicopter ride outside New York City, Dutchess County’s location in New York State offers easy access to anywhere across the eastern seaboard, making Hudson Valley Regional Airport a primary choice for many travelers.
Between Amtrak and the Metro North Railroad, and easy access to key interstates like I-84 and I-87, passengers have a variety of options to connect to their final destination. The extra breathing room away from busy ground traffic around airports in New York City offers an added bonus.
Workforce
With this robust market for air travel in New York, the Dutchess County community offers a highly skilled workforce to meet that demand.
Aside from being one of the most educated counties in the state, the aviation science program at DCC truly sets Dutchess County apart. The first FAA-certified program in 50 years, the curriculum is designed to fit the needs of existing and new businesses in the county by offering cutting edge facilities, hangars, and labs to students.
To offer a glimpse into the student experience, Falcon One, used by presidents George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, gives students hands-on opportunities to maintain one of the most important pieces of aircraft in the world. Aviation businesses can be confident that their needs will be met with a best-in-class workforce.
Aviation business resources
You may be wondering: how can I establish my aviation business in Dutchess County? Think Dutchess is here to connect you with the countless resources available for getting started.
The Hudson Valley Regional Airport is an approved StartUp NY location because of its access to research laboratories, development resources, and experts in aviation at the DCC program. Eligible companies can benefit from the many resources available to them at DCC and are exempt from taxes for an entire decade after launching.
Dutchess County also provides support for hangar development. Tradewind Aviation recently established a 50,000 square foot hangar in 2023 to support its private charter services. Sky Harbour has also joined in the effort to close the hangar deficit in New York and is currently developing more than 100,000 square feet of hangar space to accommodate 12 to 15 jets.
Infrastructure
More acreage is available for other enterprises to follow suit, and the Hudson Valley Regional Airport has Part 139 airport certification for carriers to operate aircraft with more than 30 seats. Alongside an FAA control tower, FlightLevel Fixed Based Operator, a terminal with a café for travelers, and expedited permitting, your aviation business will be off the tarmac and in the air in no time.
Reinvesting In the Local Community
Establishing your aviation business in Dutchess County has ripple effects far beyond the walls of your hangar or office. While the county is particularly well-suited for aviation professionals because of the educational and business opportunities, a strong aviation hub attracts other businesses to the region who rely on aviation to grow their enterprise.
Employees in Dutchess County’s strong aviation sector are also financially empowered to support their families and reinvest their money into their community at local businesses. Aviation is an important pillar to the lifeblood of the Dutchess County community, and we are proud to help new and existing businesses flourish here in the Hudson Valley.
Reach out to Think Dutchess if you are interested in establishing your business in Dutchess County, New York!