FREEHOLD, NJ — As Monmouth Executive Airport enters a new phase of cooperation with county officials, the facility’s owner, Alan Antaki, has made a financial contribution to Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea’s campaign.
Spadea has floated the idea of the airport being a major transportation hub to offload air traffic from the embattled Newark aiport recently. If Bill Spadea becomes governor, the skies above Monmouth and Ocean County could see much larger planes taking off and landing at the small executive airport.
Today, campaign finance records show that Antaki wrote a $1,000 check to Spadea, a conservative radio host and political activist, amid ongoing efforts to modernize and expand airport operations in Wall Township.
The donation comes as Antaki and Monmouth County leaders move forward with plans to enhance the airport’s role as a regional aviation hub. On March 13, Monmouth County Commissioners introduced a resolution to end prior efforts to acquire the airport by eminent domain, following what officials called productive discussions with Antaki.
“My goal has always been to continue making the airport safer, while growing the airport as an economic engine for Monmouth County and surrounding areas,” Antaki said. “I look forward to now making that dream a reality.”
“This meeting marked an important step forward in our path to securing a brighter future for Monmouth Executive Airport,” Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said in a statement. The airport recently received a $1 million state grant for runway improvements, and Antaki has secured additional financing to eliminate previous debts, county officials said.
County and owner commit to long-term partnership
The agreement outlines a shared commitment to maintaining and upgrading the airport. Among the initiatives discussed were educational partnerships with Brookdale Community College, public engagement programs, and support for the county’s MEDSTAR emergency medical service.
Antaki has long promoted aviation education in Monmouth County, supporting student flight lessons and aviation programs for youth. “Our investments in infrastructure and training will benefit both aviation professionals and local businesses,” he said.
The plan also includes granting the county a right of first refusal to ensure the airport remains operational for future generations and exploring new opportunities for community-based aviation programs.
Monmouth County’s aviation consultant, Merchant Aviation, is expected to finalize its report on additional collaboration strategies in the coming weeks.
As Monmouth Executive Airport eyes growth, its owner’s campaign donation adds a political dimension to ongoing public-private efforts.
