An airport is kind of an unusual purchase for a university but it suggests Liberty is in good shape financially.

News and Advance reports.

Liberty University buys New London Airport

Liberty University purchased New London Airport for $1.8 million last week, with plans to bolster its aeronautics school and bring business to the Bedford County airport.

The popular New London Dragway, which was built two years before the airport opened in 1958 and shares space with the airport, will go forward with its 2016 schedule.

“For what I know, I’m guaranteed for the 2016 schedule,” said Kelley Powell, the track operator. “… As far as 2017, we look forward to having a long-term relationship with Liberty University. But again, we’re in the growing stages. They’re learning about us; we’re learning about them.”

The airport is near a small sheep farm. Planes with faded paint sit on the grass or in make-shift shelters made of wood or metal.

“Obviously, we’ll be making improvements to the airport,” said Dave Young, assistant provost of LU aeronautics education.

No specific plans have been made yet, but the end picture won’t be much different from the aeronautics school’s liaison at the Lynchburg Regional Airport and the small airport will still be open to general aviation, Young said.