Jets could temporarily move from Barnes to Westover due to runway project

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A potential runway project at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield could cause the temporary movement of the 104th Fighter Wing's jets.

Maj. Matthew Mutti of the 104th Fighter Wing told 22News that there is a plan in the works to resurface the base's longest runway. Due to the needs of F-15 jets to have a long runway, the aircraft would have to be re-located. He said that if that turns out to be the case, their first option would most likely be Westover Air Reserve Base, though bases in Connecticut and Vermont are also a possibility.

Maj. Mutti says that there is a very good chance that everything will come together, though he added that the money for the project has yet to be earmarked. He said that the 104th should know within a year.

The project would not cause the closure of the civilian airport, whose planes do not need as long of a runway as the F-15.

Our media partner, The Westfield News, reports that the move would only relocate the jets, and not the other functions of the 104th.