For hundreds of Natchez area visitors each year, their first glimpse of the area is one most of us rarely see — runway 31 or 13 at the Natchez-Adams County Airport.

Moments after they touch down in either private or chartered aircraft, many of those visitors step into the airport terminal that is a bit like taking a step back in time.

The airport terminal is such a throwback to a bygone era that producers with the 2014 James Brown film, “Get On Up,” actually borrowed some of the airport’s outdated furniture to help transform a scene in the film back to the 1970s.

But the airport appears to be revving up to change its image and upgrade its form and function a bit.

Through the past and former airport managers and the airport commission, the airport has located several grants that are being utilized to upgrade everything from the navigational and safety equipment to a new fuel dock.

In addition, the airport has a new hangar planned as well as a plan to upgrade the terminal’s furniture and create a pilot’s lounge.

All of these upgrades are good ones and ones that should improve the functionality, safety and aesthetics of the airport.

While it may not be a place most of us ever go, keeping the front porch looking good for air travelers to our area is smart, particularly since many of the business executives who make decisions about relocating businesses to our area often travel by private aircraft.

The improvements are much needed and much appreciated.