In recent years, we’ve observed a significant surge in smaller regional airports beginning to welcome commercial flights. This trend is driven mainly by the emergence of airlines like Breeze Airways and Avelo Airlines, which strategically focus on expanding their services to underserved regions rather than competing head-to-head with established carriers at major airports.
At first glance, this development appears beneficial for the airlines and the regional airports involved. For the airlines, entering these markets opens up access to customer bases that previously had to travel considerable distances to reach larger airports. These smaller airports typically have lower operating fees than their larger counterparts, allowing airlines to maintain more competitive pricing. For the airports, the partnership translates to an influx of passengers.
However, the transition to accommodating commercial jets at these small airports is far from straightforward. Preparing for the arrival of an Airbus or Boeing narrowbody jet requires extensive planning and coordination. Airport authorities must navigate a complex web of regulatory approvals, which often includes obtaining necessary permits from federal aviation bodies and local government entities. Furthermore, significant renovations may be required to ensure the airport can safely handle larger aircraft and passengers. This can involve upgrading runway infrastructure, enhancing terminal facilities, and improving security measures.
Growing Pains
San Bernadino Airport (SBD) learned this in 2022 when Breeze Airlines started flying from the former Air Force Base to San Francisco.
In the months since the announcement, the airport has hired dozens of new employees and installed new wayfinding signs, contracted with the city for law enforcement services, updated its ticket counter and the technology behind it, and built out its Transportation Security Administration area.
Combined, the investments cost about $2.5 million, airport officials say.
In addition to upgrading roadways around the airport, revamping the parking lot and installing new landscaping, airport leaders are working closely with TSA officials to bring the airfield up to federal standards
It took years of planning before Avelo started flights from Salem, OR (SLE), in October 2023.
The departure came after a years-long, multi-million dollar effort from the city, local businesses and tourism groups which involved terminal renovations, new equipment and negotiations to bring Avelo Airlines to the airport.
In January, the Salem City Council committed over $2 million for terminal improvements to bring the airport up to federal standards for commercial use. The funds went to design and construct Transportation Security Administration-compliant upgrades to windows, walls and flooring; plus new outdoor canopies and updated bathrooms. The money also paid for four months of fire and police service at the airport.
The same applies to Lancaster Airport in Pennsylvania (LNS), where Breeze Airlines has just started flying from Orlando, FL.
A work in progress is on-going at the Lancaster Airport. It’s preparing for the Breeze Airways era. There’s a list of changes.
“[We are] building a secure passenger lounge, adding a restroom in that facility, reconfiguring the checkpoint and also adding three ticket counters in a new area for airline ticket counters and installing a baggage screening area,” Ed Foster, the executive director for the Airport Authority, said.
Before, passengers would go through security right before they boarded their plane. That was for about a 10-seater. Now, over 130 could board a Breeze flight.
In addition to renovation costs, regional airports often must pay for part or all of the promotional budget to entice an airline. For example, here’s what Lakeland Airport, FL (LAL) had to do to lure Avelo Airlines.
-
The city will spend up to $30K a year in marketing the passenger service for two years, as an incentive. It will also partner with Polk County to put tourism information and a visitor information desk in the terminal building.
-
Johnson Laux Construction will complete about $1.6 Million of upgrades, including expansion of the passenger security screening checkpoint, adding additional hold room seating, and improving rental car offices.
More Airports To Come
As you can see, preparing for commercial flights can take years of planning for an airport. One of the higher-profile airports getting ready for future flights is Manassas, VA (MNZ). The airport hopes to have the necessary approvals and renovations completed by 2025.
I’m sure other regional airports are looking to attract commercial flights, but those plans could take years to materialize.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.