Akron-Canton Airport Is on Growth Streak
Published Apr 10, 2009
Akron-Canton Airport’s passenger load has grown to 1.4 million a year, but its travel convenience has not diminished. AirTran is a major carrier at the airport, which is served by four other airlines.
In late 2008, passenger traffic at Akron-Canton Airport was on track to grow 6 percent over 2007, while the rest of the country was down an average of 10 percent.
Passenger traffic at the airport has doubled in 10 years, to about 1.47 million annually, and set a passenger record in 2008.
A combination of lower fares, fewer hassles and close attention to passenger comfort is making Akron a popular alternative to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
“One of the things we really pride ourselves on here is that we are not the big dog in the marketplace,” says Rick McQueen, who took over as executive director in September 2008.
“Two healthy airports are necessary for this region to grow. But we are a lot more relaxed, and there are not long lines at the screening checkpoint,” McQueen says.
He cites airport amenities such as massage chairs, big-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi and free charging towers for laptops, cell phones and other electronic devices. “Little things like that go a long way with people,” McQueen says. “Airlines have already cut back all the amenities. If we aren’t doing that, nobody will.”
AirTran Airways is Akron’s largest carrier. Judy Graham-Weaver, the airline’s public relations manager, credits the airport’s success to both parties keeping costs low and to simple geography.
“The airport is convenient to some travelers from Cleveland and its suburbs, but also to a number of smaller communities from Mansfield to Youngstown, not to mention Akron and Canton,” she says.
That market area includes 1.3 million people within 30 miles of the airport and 1.8 million people from Mansfield to Youngstown, excluding Cleveland, she says.
AirTran runs four daily roundtrips to Atlanta, two to New York and one each to Orlando and Tampa. The winter-only Fort Myers run started in 2006.
US Airways, Northwest, Frontier and United Express also serve the airport.
But the AirTran flights to LaGuardia Airport in New York made the job easier for Mitchell Kahan, Akron Art Museum director and CEO.
Easier Travel for Business
He’s gone to New York on business and returned the same day. The low fares mean the museum can bring guest speakers to Akron for events during the week, when fares are generally higher.
“It is an enormous money saver and time saver for us,” Kahan says.
The airport is making big moves, too. It is literally moving 4 million cubic feet of dirt to extend a runway from 7,600 to 8,200 feet. The $60 million project started in March 2008 and will wrap up in late 2010.
The extension will allow full-sized jets to fill up with cargo and fuel for destinations on the West Coast, the Caribbean and Mexico.
“There will always be airline service,” McQueen says. “There will still be the need for people to go on business trips. The key here for us is to be positioned for the future.”
Story by Pamela Coyle
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