Chief pilot Ben Wyndham has long had his sights set on an expansion and after a competitive expression of interest process, the council has voted to enter negotiations for the lease of Hangar 8.

With limited infrastructure at the airport for small business to operate from, the lease of the hangar will allow him to expand his flying school operations and build commercial pilot training in Tamworth.

"Our primary interest is in expanding our flying school out there, we want to build our commercial pilot-training at Tamworth because of its facilities and central location," he said.

"We're nowhere near the size or scope of Oxford or British Aerospace, but we're more focused on each client's needs and much more one-on-one."

The business is the biggest operator at the airport and currently employs six pilots on a mix of aviation jobs, from flight instruction to charter work, spotting and survey work.

It's hoped the expansion will bring more jobs onsite with support personnel and maintenance.

The premises has useful space for those activities as well as aircraft storage, maintenance and refurbishment, upholstery and refitting electronics and equipment.

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There are improvements Mr Wyndham wants to make to bring on more flight-training students and scenic flights.

Airspeed Aviation wasn't immune to COVID-19 either after the border closures created significant issues.

"Our charter business has been virtually destroyed, so we need to rain, hail or sunshine work with the tools at hand," My Wyndham said.

"We have a strong, experienced flight instructor workforce and a community interested in doing things at home instead of skiing in Japan this year."

There were two expressions of interest, the lease will now be negotiated.

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