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Muskegon County Airport Begins $24 Million Modernization to Meet FAA Requirements and Increase Passenger Progress
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Muskegon County Airport in Michigan is about to endure main upgrades geared toward revitalizing its infrastructure and growing passenger site visitors. The deliberate enhancements embrace enhancements to each the terminal and airfield, guaranteeing the ability meets trendy Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. The purpose is to carry passenger numbers again to pre-pandemic ranges, because the airport has seen a major decline lately.
Positioned in Norton Shores, close to Lake Michigan, Muskegon County Airport used to serve round 40,000 passengers yearly earlier than the pandemic. Nevertheless, that determine has plummeted to only 5,000—a staggering 80% drop. To handle these challenges and enhance service, the airport has taken a number of steps, together with altering airways and planning substantial infrastructure upgrades.
Beforehand, the airport confronted difficulties, particularly throughout winter months. Flight cancellations turned frequent, with 43% of flights being scrapped through the winter because of operational struggles. The airline’s use of 9-seater, single-engine commuter planes proved problematic within the difficult climate circumstances of the area. Consequently, the airport opted for a brand new associate.
The brand new airline, which operates bigger regional plane, is predicted to carry higher reliability and effectivity to the airport’s operations. The service makes use of jets able to carrying 30 to 50 passengers, permitting for elevated capability per flight. These jets may fly over Lake Michigan, considerably lowering flight instances between MKG and ORD from 1 hour and 20 minutes to only 35 minutes. This enchancment not solely advantages passengers with extra handy scheduling but in addition enhances plane utilization, making the route extra worthwhile.
In preparation for the projected improve in passenger site visitors, Muskegon County Airport is investing $24 million in infrastructure upgrades. Of this, $2.7 million will go towards enhancing the terminal, together with a brand new roof to enhance vitality effectivity, a modernized entrance facade, new airside toilet amenities, a restaurant, and 17,000 sq. ft of recent carpeting. The remaining $21.3 million can be allotted to revamping the airport grounds, which is able to embrace the development of a brand new taxiway with up to date signage, lighting, and different options to satisfy FAA requirements.
These developments are anticipated to assist Muskegon County Airport recuperate from the pandemic-related decline in passengers and enhance its general service and reliability. By upgrading its amenities, the airport goals to place itself for future development and success.
