1. RENOVATIONS BEGIN
The economy parking lot renovations start this month, just one of several renovations poised to start this year. The parking project is expected to be completed in late months of summer.
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Proposed future renovations are even more extensive: a new passenger entrance, a second-floor addition, the widening of the security area and first floor, the demolition of existing connectors to concourses and the renovation of Concourse A and B. An improved food court area is also planned.
2. ALLEGIANT CELEBRATES ONE YEAR IN DAYTON
In its first year of service at Dayton International Airport, Allegiant Air has already tripled its passenger traffic and could add even more flights in the future.
» RELATED: After major growth, Allegiant looks to add more flights in Dayton
After adding several flights, Allegiant served approximately 3,875 passengers at the Dayton airport in February. That’s up from the 1,472 passengers who flew with Allegiant during its first month of service at Dayton last April.
3. NEW FLIGHTS IN THE FUTURE
Slaybaugh told this newspaper that he is actively recruiting other airlines like JetBlue and Spirit Airlines to the area. A spokeswoman for Allegiant also said the discount airline is looking at possible new routes to add from Dayton.
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“With all of this initial success, we’re very excited about prospects for the future and have already been working with the airport to identify potential new routes and opportunities to increase frequency,” she said.
4. SUMMER WILL BRING CHANGE
People traveling during the summer months for vacations can expect some changes at the airport. Beyond exterior renovations, Southwest Airlines will cease all services at the airport come June. The airline announced earlier this year that is would halt all flights and instead operate out of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport.
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And, a new route starts for Allegiant. Twice-weekly flights to Myrtle Beach, a popular vacation destination, begin on May 24. The cheap fare entices travelers, and passenger traffic is expected to increase again next month when new nonstop flights begin. And the airline could expand to even more routes, Grey said.
5. LAND DEVELOPMENT
Slaybaugh told the Dayton Daily News that the airport has more than 650 acres of zoned land with potential to develop in the coming years. Spectrum Brands Global Auto Care opened its new manufacturing and distribution center near the airport, an investment of approximately $33 million. Slaybaugh said another building will be erected next to it by the end of the year.
» RELATED:After Southwest departure, what’s next for Dayton airport?
PSA Airlines also continues to invest in its flagship hangar that opened in October. The 77,000-square-foot hangar is a $13 million investment at the airport, and the airline employs more than 900 people in the city.
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