As published in the May 1, 2010 Toledo Business Journal
Steve Arnold
Toledo Express Airport and
Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority
Passenger traffic key for economic development
Toledo Business Journal recently interviewed Steve Arnold, airport manager, Toledo Express Airport and Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. He shared the following thoughts.
Toledo Business Journal: Passenger traffic at Toledo Express Airport has declined significantly. Can you share data for the past five years concerning this issue?
Steve Arnold: Since 9-11, most airports have experienced a decline in passenger traffic. In addition, increased fuel costs had prompted airlines to cut their capacity. This loss of capacity in turn has had an adverse effect on passenger count. Toledo Express has experienced a steady decline of 17% in 2005 to around 25% today.
TBJ: What is the financial significance of passenger traffic at Toledo Express? Could the airport operate as a cargo facility only?
SA: Passenger traffic is a significant asset to Toledo Express Airport. The airport receives entitlement money through Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Grant Programs based on its passenger traffic. This funding is necessary to the airport to finance improvements to the airport terminal building and runways. Although the cargo facility does contribute to the financial stability of the airport, without the passenger entitlements program it would be a challenge to maintain the airport and finance new improvements.
TBJ: Can you discuss recent load factors for Delta Air Lines flights at Toledo Express, the carrier’s possible plan for regional jets at the airport, and the planned schedule change and its impact on business travelers?
SA: Load factors for Delta Air Lines are currently around 43%. The carrier presently has one regional jet in the mix of their flights and anticipates adding to this number. Delta has added one flight in the morning and one flight later at night. This increased flight schedule will provide business travelers the convenience of arriving at Toledo Express at the end of the workday rather than flying into Detroit and then driving back to Toledo.
TBJ: Can you discuss load factors on American Airlines flights at Toledo Express and the carrier’s schedule in and out of Toledo?
SA: American Airlines’ load factor is approximately 53%. The schedule provides for three flights per day. American has an early morning departure to Chicago at 6 am and an evening return flight arriving at Toledo Express at 10:10 pm This is a very attractive schedule for the traveler wishing to spend a full day in Chicago and return to Toledo Express the same day.
TBJ: What is the significance of business travelers to airlines looking at Toledo and considering new service options to new markets?
SA: We appreciate all of our travelers here at Toledo Express – both business and leisure. Business travelers are very important as they bring a constant flow of business through the airport. It is important to reach out to the business traveler and to establish a base of loyal customers. Passengers traveling for business purposes travel on a more frequent basis, desire convenient and efficient travel arrangements, want available items such as concessions, and are not as concerned with ancillary costs.
TBJ: Is additional flight service at Toledo Express a possibility in the near future? Would Delta and/or American consider increasing service to other markets if their load factors increased from business travelers using their current service?
SA: We continue to reach out to the corporate community and local businesses to consider using Toledo Express as an alternative to other airports. With an increased usage of our airport and a commitment from the community, it would absolutely be a possibility that Delta and American would increase their flights and add service to other markets.
TBJ: Can you discuss the strategic significance of passenger service at Toledo Express Airport to economic development in the region?
SA: A few years ago, an economic impact study was completed and showed that related employment in the area was around 7,000 employees with over $208 million in payroll and $640 million in economic output for the region. This provides considerable value to this community and the surrounding region.
TBJ: Can you discuss the Northwest Ohio Aviation Council (NWOAC) and the organization’s efforts concerning passenger traffic at Toledo Express?
SA: The organizers in this council are passionate about this airport, aviation, and northwest Ohio. Many excellent ideas have already been generated by this group, and we expect to see good things from them.
TBJ: Are there any other issues that you would like to address?
SA: We would like to invite every member of this community to consider Toledo Express Airport when scheduling their next flight.