Welcome to the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) The Greenville Downtown Airport is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina with more than 80,000 take-offs and landings each year and more than 245 locally based aircraft. Operated by the Greenville Airport Commission, the airport is home to more than 25 aviation-related businesses creating 453 jobs that annually contribute more than $35.2 million to the Upstate economy. Located in the heart of the business district, GMU is convenient to all of Greenville's premier destinations. The Bi-Lo Center, the Peace Center, and the vibrant downtown area are only a five-minute drive away. Shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants are located just a few blocks from GMU. The Carolina First Center (formerly Palmetto Expo Center) is located right next door, within walking distance of the airport. GMU is a modern and attractive facility with a wide variety of tenants that offer a full range of aviation services. A pro-business air traffic control tower keeps this busy facility operating in a safe and efficient manner. For hassle-free access to the upstate or a great place to operate a business, GMU is the "Corporate Gateway" to Greenville, South Carolina! Greenville High's State Champion Competitive Cheer Team Welcomes You to GMU FAA Honors Greenville Downtown Airport with Safety Award The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southern Region has selected GMU to receive the 2002 General Aviation Airport Safety Award. The award is presented to a general aviation airport in the Southeast that makes outstanding efforts to increase flight safety. GMU accomplished this through many safety-enhancing projects. In addition to overlaying and grooving the primary runway, distance-to-go signs were installed. All runway, taxiway, and approach lighting was also upgraded in 2002. GMU will be one of the first general aviation airports in the nation to install an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) in the latter part of 2003. EMAS rapidly and safely decelerates aircraft that have overrun the active runway by utilizing energy absorbing material. These projects, as well as others, have contributed to an increased level of flight safety at the airport. "The staff of GMU is distinguished in its commitment to continually increasing flight safety," said Rusty Chapman, Manager of the Airports Division, FAA Southern Region. "They accomplished a significant number of safety upgrades while still successfully operating the state's busiest general aviation airport." The award was presented to Joe Frasher, Airport Director, at the FAA Communications Conference in Atlanta on January 27, 2003.