As well he should be!

Well that's what makes Fitch's statement so interesting. CLE will be OK even WITH another decline in connecting service. Makes me wonder if Mr. Smith is in open negotiations with carriers he had a relationship while being at BWI....i.e. British, Aer Lingus. And I still think Lufthansa would be a great fit with all us polocks in the Cleveland area. I wonder if Mr. Smith has woken up old CAL mgmt and that's why they're starting Paris. I bet there are some grand plans ahead for Hopkins. Mok who?

does this have anything to do with anything?

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 9, 2006

SCHUMER, CLINTON ANNOUNCE $150,000 IN FEDERAL DOLLARS FOR CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY/ JAMESTOWN AIRPORT

Jamestown Airport Will Use The Money To Market Improved Air Service

 

Federal Funds Awarded as Part of the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) Grants

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $150,000 for the Chautauqua County/ Jamestown Airport under the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP). The federal dollars will be used to help market their improved air service in the region.

"This is great news for Jamestown, since its goal of this program is to improve air service and lower prices for residents in smaller communities," Senator Schumer said. "One of the first things businesses look at when they consider moving to a new location is whether there are good air service options in the area. I've been fighting tooth and nail to protect programs like this so help can keep flowing to New York. This will help the Jamestown airport as they market their service to Cleveland to the entire region." “This is great news for Jamestown, helping to connect the region with one of the biggest airline hubs in the country. It is important that we do everything we can to increase the number of flights and connections into Jamestown, because more flights mean more options for tourists and business travelers, which means more jobs and more opportunities for the city and the entire region," Senator Clinton said.

"During my conversations with local businesses it has been made clear that there is a significant demand for air traffic services into and out of the Chautauqua County Airport. Unfortunately many are not aware of the service that will be provided by our new carrier to Cleveland International Airport. I am thrilled that Senator Schumer and Clinton have secured additional funding for us to promote this new service to Cleveland to increase the number of passengers using the County Airport,” said Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards.

The federal funds will by the Jamestown Airport to market the community’s new Essential Air Service to Cleveland. Local sources will contribute an additional $25,000 to the effort. Jamestown is receiving one for 25 grants nationwide totaling just under $9.7 million to help smaller communities around the United States improve their air service.

The Small Community Air Service Development Program helps communities address the challenges of local air service, such as high fares and insufficient levels of service. The grants will be used by communities around the country for programs such as financial incentives to air carriers, studies to determine air service needs, and marketing programs that encourage communities to use commercial carriers offering local air service. Only those communities with insufficient air service or unreasonably high airfares are eligible to participate in the program. Schumer and Clinton have fought hard to fully fund program such as this and other federal programs that aid small rural airports in upstate New York like the Essential Air Service (EAS) and Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

###

 

Chautauqua should burn in hell.

Well that's what makes Fitch's statement so interesting. CLE will be OK even WITH another decline in connecting service. Makes me wonder if Mr. Smith is in open negotiations with carriers he had a relationship while being at BWI....i.e. British, Aer Lingus. And I still think Lufthansa would be a great fit with all us polocks in the Cleveland area. I wonder if Mr. Smith has woken up old CAL mgmt and that's why they're starting Paris. I bet there are some grand plans ahead for Hopkins. Mok who?

 

I still don't see BA coming here, since they are in an alliance with American.  Aer Lingus and Lufthansa, although in an alliance with United, are more realistic to me.  If I'm not mistaken LOT (although in an alliance with United), would be a nice choice and a Caribbean carrier. 

 

But none of these things are any good unless Cleveland establishes tourism offices in those locations, we are allowed to establish consulates of those countries here and establish a the city the services flies into as a "sister" city.

Chautauqua should burn in hell.

 

Hey, my family is from there! Jamestown was named after my great, great, great, great grandfather James Prendergast, son of William and Mehitabel Prendergast. Next time you're in Jamestown, check out the Prendergast Library, Prendergast Creek, Prendergast Cemetery and a few other things named Prendergast.

 

I love the Chautauqua region -- except for the damn highway they built across the middle of the lake! But will I fly there? Hell no. I would like to have one of the New York City - Buffalo Empire Corridor trains extended to Cleveland, though, with a station stop in Dunkirk or Westfield NY.

Not really part of the expansion, but hell it may be the most important upgrade Hopkins has seen in while:

 

Top gripe at Hopkins: Restrooms are the pits

 

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Susan Vinella

Plain Dealer Reporter

Cleveland is spending more than $2 million to flush away the top complaint of the 10.5 million people who pass through Cleveland Hopkins International Airport each year: the dingy, dirty restrooms.

 

That's good news for Barbara Radigan of Wickliffe, a member of The Plain Dealer's Reader Advisory Network.

 

"The restrooms are very depressing places," she said in an e-mail. "They are dingy, dirty and damp-smelling. There is no place in the stall to put your purse, bag or coat. The floors are not an option!"

 

Hopkins spokeswoman Pat Smith said the most common complaint from passengers is about the bathrooms. She said about 29,000 passengers a day pass through the airport, and she estimates 60 percent use the restrooms.

 

To reduce complaints, the airport has begun remodeling every bathroom except those in Concourse D, which opened eight years ago.

 

Airport engineer Mike Ebos, who oversees the renovations, said the restrooms have been redesigned for easier upkeep and convenience.

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

 

[email protected], 216-999-5010

 

 

^^ BTW, closer to 12 million people pass through Hopkins. It's on the clevelandairport.com website. Another quality research job by the Pee-dee.

Local business trips are often to Europe

 

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Susan Vinella

Plain Dealer Reporter

Northeast Ohio business travelers head to Europe more than anywhere else overseas.

 

The most popular cities: London, Paris and Frankfurt, according to a survey of international travel conducted by the Greater Cleveland Partnership this year.

 

Continental Airlines offers direct flights to London from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and announced in September that it plans to offer nonstop flights to Paris beginning in 2008.

 

The partnership asked 82 business executives in Cleveland and Akron where they traveled most and how often. Here are some of the results:

 

34 percent had been to London in 2005.

 

21 percent Paris.

 

18 percent Frankfurt.

 

13 percent Hong Kong.

 

10 percent Amsterdam.

 

15 percent Shanghai.

 

10 percent Tokyo.

 

More than half of those responding said they expected to increase their travel. Most of that increase would be to Europe and Asia.

 

 

 

>>I told ya, MyTwoSense, Frankfurt would be the best option after Paris. :)

 

 

>>I told ya, MyTwoSense, Frankfurt would be the best option after Paris. :)

 

Did we agree or did I sam AMS??  I knew Germany was a big draw or else Lufthansa wouldn't have been sniffing around.  I'm sure they will be back in some form.

 

I'm surprise Shanghai is more than Hong Kong.

 

I wonder what percentage of folks go to the Carribean/S. America from here?

 

With all the shit thats been happening at Newark over the last month (planes landing on taxiways, etc., major dealys) and the complaints continental has been getting about operations there, I sense that Cleveland will pick up flights/operations sooner rather than later from EWR. 

there was not a single tv on last night when i returned at 11pm.  the restaurants were closed.  all i wanted was to see what happened with election results.  hopkins (and continental specifically) need to get some plasmas up with a cnn feed. 

 

one other interesting observation: a punching bag on the counter of the continental service desk on C concourse.  quite amusing. 

^^ I think ya said AMS. It may be too soon to speak about it MyTwoSense, but I have feeling you are right about CAL expanding int'l ops outside of EWR and IAH. CLE-CDG will be the big test. It's awfully coincidental that there has been all this news about upgrading this and that at Hopkins over the past 6 months...and CAL's Paris announcement. Fitch's change of view about Hopkins also adds a little intrigue as to what Mr. Smith is doing behind the scenes. Mok who?

hopkins (and continental specifically) need to get some plasmas up with a cnn feed. 

 

The airport network is not cheap.  From what I understand, most airports install it when they do upgrades w/exception of Delta.  Turner/Delta have a special agreement.

^^ I think ya said AMS. It may be too soon to speak about it MyTwoSense, but I have feeling you are right about CAL expanding int'l ops outside of EWR and IAH. CLE-CDG will be the big test. It's awfully coincidental that there has been all this news about upgrading this and that at Hopkins over the past 6 months...and CAL's Paris announcement. Fitch's change of view about Hopkins also adds a little intrigue as to what Mr. Smith is doing behind the scenes. Mok who?

 

We'll one of my spies tells me that there be changes on the A concourse, but that's so obvious.  What's not obvious is what the changes will be.

 

I've even heard there would be a smaller building (6/8 gates) similar to Councourse D built next to or adjacent to Concourse A just for International operations.  This is "sort of interesting", I mean it could be done with Carribean flights going out in the morning and returning late in the evening same day and European flights going out Mid day/Early Evening.

hopkins (and continental specifically) need to get some plasmas up with a cnn feed. 

 

The airport network is not cheap.  From what I understand, most airports install it when they do upgrades w/exception of Delta.  Turner/Delta have a special agreement.

 

is that the only option though (i don't know)?  continental has a few small LCDs (way to small) at the service center with a weather channel feed and a weather channel feed on the new plasma based arrival/departure monitors. 

 

i agree that there is a cost, but i would find more value in having real time information available at the airport over spending 2 million for bathroom upgrades (absent complete new terminal construction).

 

i'm envisioning 10, 42" plasmas - 6 in the C concourse and 4 in the D concourse.  similar to the restauarants, it seems they (continental or hopkins) could either have a satellite dish or cable feed to each of these.  worse case scenario:

 

10 basic cable feeds (40/month) - $400/month

10, 42" plasmas (1500/each) - $15,000

20 speakers (2 per tv, in ceiling, 100/set) - $2000

misc construction costs

 

it seems this could be accomplished for 20 grand and a small monthly fee.

 

does SWA still have their tvs at the end of the B concourse?

^B is the most embarrassing concourse. I really wish that something could be done with that one.

Wimwar -- I have to disagree. Working for the airlines for the past 10 years...I can tell you one of the first amenities people look for in an airport are clean restrooms not TV's. TV's are up there...but if you ever look at people just before going on and especially getting off a long haul flight the first/last place they go are the restrooms. CLE's are pretty shitty, pardon the pun, compared to most.

 

I think the TV's are coming irregardless. If you wanna solve this problem, complain to CAL and Port Control. They get enough complaints...they'll do something.

hopkins (and continental specifically) need to get some plasmas up with a cnn feed. 

 

The airport network is not cheap.  From what I understand, most airports install it when they do upgrades w/exception of Delta.  Turner/Delta have a special agreement.

 

is that the only option though (i don't know)?  continental has a few small LCDs (way to small) at the service center with a weather channel feed and a weather channel feed on the new plasma based arrival/departure monitors. 

 

i agree that there is a cost, but i would find more value in having real time information available at the airport over spending 2 million for bathroom upgrades (absent complete new terminal construction).

 

i'm envisioning 10, 42" plasmas - 6 in the C concourse and 4 in the D concourse.  similar to the restauarants, it seems they (continental or hopkins) could either have a satellite dish or cable feed to each of these.   worse case scenario:

 

10 basic cable feeds (40/month) - $400/month

10, 42" plasmas (1500/each) - $15,000

20 speakers (2 per tv, in ceiling, 100/set) - $2000

misc construction costs

 

it seems this could be accomplished for 20 grand and a small monthly fee.

 

does SWA still have their tvs at the end of the B concourse?

CNN's Airport Network Service is a satelite service, that the airport pays for upfront and passes on to tenants in rent fees.  Now, having said that if passengers and airlines at hopkins want to PAY for the service, then hopkins will need to get the ball rolling. Every airline at Hopkins is already in the network, so this shouldn't be to difficult.  The CNN airport services for Ohio is handled in Detroit.

 

This service is independent, of the Arrival/Departure monitors that the airlines install themselves and support via ad space (ie weather.com/the weather channel).

 

I suggest, you folks petition your perferred carrier and hopkins (216) 265-6000.  You can even say....Hopkins is the ONLY Major hub airport in the states WITHOUT the service.  :wtf:  You can also add, when airports like Savannah, GA; Springfield, MA or Mid America in St. Louis have the service and Cleveland doesn't.....the fault is not at Turner's doorstep.  Think about it.

Wimwar -- I have to disagree. Working for the airlines for the past 10 years...I can tell you one of the first amenities people look for in an airport are clean restrooms not TV's. TV's are up there...but if you ever look at people just before going on and especially getting off a long haul flight the first/last place they go are the restrooms. CLE's are pretty shitty, pardon the pun, compared to most.

 

I think the TV's are coming irregardless. If you wanna solve this problem, complain to CAL and Port Control. They get enough complaints...they'll do something.

 

I'd take clean bathrooms over TV's any day.  In fact, I'd rather not have TV's blaring a bunch of stuff I don't want to watch in the first place, but I'm definitely in the minority on this one.  Although I can see their usefulness for providing weather or news related information that may affect passengers' trips, I don't understand why it seems that people have to have TV's on almost anywhere they go nowadays.   

I would love to see the automatic seat covers in the bathrooms like they have in O'hare.  It's nice to not have to wipe piss off the seat and build a nest before I plant my rear! 

I came back from Fort Worth the other night and was pleasently surprise by the new color being painted in the ticket area.

Anyone know if this was just forthe 'front door,' or is there more redecorating going on (besides TV's and toilets - which should be put together)?

 

I came back from Fort Worth the other night and was pleasently surprise by the new color being painted in the ticket area.

Anyone know if this was just forthe 'front door,' or is there more redecorating going on (besides TV's and toilets - which should be put together)?

 

 

i think this is all cosmetic.

Some "expansion" news:

 

Southwest is starting new non-stop service to/from Orlando, FL (MCO) beginning in March.  The service will be 2x daily, however at the expense of 2 Nashville and 1 Chicago-Midway flights/day. 

 

It's nice to see SWA switching things up a bit.  There's already 30+ daily departures between CLE and ORD/MDW on AA, UA, Continental, and SW, but Nashville has gone from 4-2 on SW and currently only has 2 on Continental.  Anyways, hopefully we'll see more expansion once the aprons are finished and an upgraded (and God willing) new Int'l concourse/terminal is completed?!?!  While it'd be great in many aspects to build a new midfield complex, I think we'd have a better chance waiting for the Browns to win a Superbowl...

 

Oh, btw, I'm very interested in transportation-related architecture, esp. airports.  They're an amazing organism.  Many times they're the first and only impression that millions of people may have on a respective city.  The airport can define a significant impression that one has on a city.  In some cases, airports do not do the city justice (ie Cleveland, the OLD Midway, La Guardia, just to name a few) and in other cases, the airport may do a city too much justice (sorry but DTW is really, REALLY nice, and well, if Detroit can have that, why can't we have one?!  No offense Detroit...).  Stuttgart, new CDG, DTW, and Zurich are quite gorgeous airports and maybe people coming back home to NEO whether it be from vacation or visiting for holidays/events wouldn't be so depressed/negative is the airpot was nicer. 

 

I know there's more to a city than its airport and that fresh paint and new chairs can only go so far, but at the same time, its MUCH better than old, stale paint and chairs with holes, too.  I wouldn't call it superficial, just responsible and proud!

 

GO CLE! 

BTW, the Nashville pulldown has more to do with Nashville than Cleveland. LUV has been trying to make BNA a Southwest 'hub' along the lines of BWI. It's performance has been a mixed bag since it started. They reduce and add service all the time out of there, while BWI just keeps growing. The MCO service is not that surprising either, LUV seems to be focusing lately on places like PHX, LAS and Florida from the East Coast/Midwest cities it serves.

BTW, the Nashville pulldown has more to do with Nashville than Cleveland. LUV has been trying to make BNA a Southwest 'hub' along the lines of BWI. It's performance has been a mixed bag since it started. They reduce and add service all the time out of there, while BWI just keeps growing. The MCO service is not that surprising either, LUV seems to be focusing lately on places like PHX, LAS and Florida from the East Coast/Midwest cities it serves.

 

Isn't it because, PHX, LAS, LAX, DAL, MDW are there largest "hubs" so to speak and FLL is a "focus" city?

Honestly, every city is a hub for LUV. They have a tendency to "focus" their operations in certain cities if the price is right.

Honestly, every city is a hub for LUV. They have a tendency to "focus" their operations in certain cities if the price is right.

 

right, thats why I worded my response that way.  they are a "point-to-point" carrier, but those cities out west they are definitely the dominant carrier

Right, sorry for not following you there. They're making serious inroads into FLL, MCO and TPA now that the other parts of the country are getting tapped out.

Right, sorry for not following you there. They're making serious inroads into FLL, MCO and TPA now that the other parts of the country are getting tapped out.

 

I thought they were pulling back on TPA since some of the smaller airports on Florida's west coast were looking for service.  but who knows, I haven't been on a SW plane since the offered $19 OW fares between CLE-MDW.

 

I would love to see SW introduce flights from CLE to OAK, PDX, SJO, ALB, PHX, SLC & LAX since Continental has limited or no service to those cities.

Hopkins to reward you for keeping airport clean

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Susan Vinella

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Pick up trash at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and get a discount on your next food purchase.

 

The airport plans to launch an incentive program early next year to reward passengers and visitors who help keep Hopkins clean. Airport employees will hand out coupons for discounts on food and other items to anyone spotted pitching in.

 

The idea is part of a new marketing campaign titled, "Going Places," which touts Hopkins as a convenient, vibrant, growing airport.

 

The new slogan appears on green, blue and white signs hanging throughout the airport, as well as on trash cans urging passengers to pitch in. It also will be used in a regional advertising campaign.

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

 

[email protected], 216-999-5010

Most owners and drivers said the proposal is likely to put some cab companies out of business.

 

Good.

There are a couple of companies that need to go out of business.

sources tell me that cleveland airport systems will be floating a bond of between $150 - 200 million, primarily for capital improvements at hopkins

speaking of cab co's and recent difficulty in procurring a cab in ohio city on a friday nite!  what do you believe is the best way to consistently get cabs for short runs (in and around downtown entertainment hubs)? should one get to know a particular cabby and promise him/her nice tips for short runs OR are some companies generally more willing to make shorter runs?

From my limited experience, I've had good luck calling ahead with Yellow. One time I needed a ride from Lake/West 104th to the Rapid station at West Blvd., and I called the dispatcher and said "sorry it's a short distance" and they replied "not a problem, we're happy for your business." Also, if you have a decent ride, and your cabbie gives you a card for repeat business - use it. 

yellow has always been very good (never complaining) about trips from theater district to warehouse, and ohio city to downtown.  these are all ~$4-6 trips.  i usually just call ahead, but can sometimes find one on the street downtown or in front of a hotel.

 

i think as long as they end up in a place where they are likely to pick up another fare, they shouldn't be complaining too much. 

sources tell me that cleveland airport systems will be floating a bond of between $150 - 200 million, primarily for capital improvements at hopkins

 

I bet this is primarily for the international expansion and the customs area

Mayday....are you in the Lake Edge building?  That's where I live...

speaking of cab co's and recent difficulty in procurring a cab in ohio city on a friday nite!  what do you believe is the best way to consistently get cabs for short runs (in and around downtown entertainment hubs)? should one get to know a particular cabby and promise him/her nice tips for short runs OR are some companies generally more willing to make shorter runs?

 

Guv,

 

Try to get a regular cabbie. Even if they cannot get you due to being in the other part of town, they will call a fellow driver to get you.

Here are some good drivers (Ithink they are still working):

 

Gary - 216.410.5678

Jim - 216.390.5610

Mark - 216-973-8462

PJ - 216.533.6603

 

Like I said, if they cannot get to you, they will find somebody who will.

 

 

 

  In some cases, airports do not do the city justice (ie Cleveland, the OLD Midway, La Guardia, just to name a few)

 

so true for cle but i really gotta take exception with you there on lga. not only is it the most convenient airport for nyc residents by far, it is also the most compact and no nonsense. i really appeciate it's design and flow. also, if you have ever flown the shuttles from there to dc/boston, it's like a step back in time to the best of the earliest days of flight -- not to mention that the marine air terminal itself is one beautiful classic building. i even liked the old midway too once the train was up and running out there -- i still prefer it to o'hare.

 

delta shuttle marine air terminal at laguardia

exterior

 

interior

 

 

^ I have to agree...I think LGA is the easiest to use out of the big 3 over there.  I am usually in Queens..it is so easy to jump on the Q33 bus to get there..then if you need to get into the city..it'll drop you right to the the 7 line (along with a few others)....I think it does the city more than justice...

  Never flew into Cincy or Cbus..so I have no idea how easy it is to get into the city center...I am pleased with Cleveland's ease of getting DT, with cabs if you use them , and the train. 

I wish down the road you would see a midfield terminal siilar to Atlanta with underground shuttles to each terminal...and maybe even to the car rental center.

I love Cleveland's ease.  It's just that our terminal and concourses are outdate.  Too outdate to do major changes that keep the airport current

 

 

I use LGA all the time.  JDD actually taking the M60 to the N/W or to any station on 125 is quicker than taking the Q33.

 

The Delta marine terminal as pictured is lovely.  But now..its just plain..blah blah to me.  The DCA guitar terminal (terminal A) is cool.  However, the TWA Terminal at JFK....wins by a landslide!

....I think it does the city more than justice..

 

Well in the sense that most of NYC's transportation infrastructure is dismally decrepit, outmoded or insufficient, I suppose it does do the city justice.

 

But seriously, nostalgia aside, LGA is a terrible airport.  Its only asset is its proximity to the city which is only an asset because you need to take a taxi, bus or boat to get there.

 

JFK is miserable too.  EWK is only marginally better.

....I think it does the city more than justice..

 

Well in the sense that most of NYC's transportation infrastructure is dismally decrepit, outmoded or insufficient, I suppose it does do the city justice.

 

But seriously, nostalgia aside, LGA is a terrible airport.  Its only asset is its proximity to the city which is only an asset because you need to take a taxi, bus or boat to get there.

 

JFK is miserable too.   EWK is only marginally better.

 

I agree that NYC has horrible connections to its airports, but for me living in Harlem I can get to LGA in about 15 min., just about anytime of the day via cab and in under 35 min on the M 60.

 

Hell..between Shaker Square & Harlem I take public transportation between both homes and its practically door to door service (Starting at 125 St/Madison I can take the M 60 Bus to LGA;plane LGA to CLE;Airport Red Line to TowerCity transfer to Green Line to Coventry and I'm right in my door!) talk about the benefit of living close to public transportation!  :-P

Here's what my friend in Chicago often does:

 

Metra Aurora Line from Berwyn to Chicago Union Station, walk two blocks to Wells Street to the Orange Line station at Quincy, Orange Line to Midway Airport, Southwest Airlines to Cleveland, Red Line from Hopkins Airport to Tower City Center, Portage Area Regional Transit Authority to Kent State Student Center, Campus Bus Service to Ravenna.

 

Tonight, it's a bit simpler but a little longer trip (through most of it he'll be asleep, however): Metra Aurora Line to Union Station, Amtrak Lake Shore Limited to Cleveland arriving at 4 a.m. (if on-time), wait a couple hours or less for first Waterfront Line train to Tower City (they make flag stops at the Amtrak station's walkway), have breakfast at Tower City, catch PARTA bus to KSU, Campus Bus to Ravenna.

MTS...thanks for the info!  The only thing is, my first stop when I land is usually at 54th and Roosevelt in Woodside, Queens..so that is the best route for me...for now.

<Talking in my head>

 

"I wish there was a key in this thread to help me decipher all of these airport codes."

 

<Falls asleep thinking about it to much>

 

Not sure if anyone has read this recent article on airport chief, Ricky Smith.  If you are interested, I believe you can get Inside-Business delivered to your home for free, via an application on their website.

 

http://www.inside-business.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F8C8DDD4679A4F8481CFF990B1FAAEA5&nm=Archive&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=7B30C2FA072245DE9AD5D82735C7041A&tier=4&id=AEA020BFC0974DB592BD69F6DBE438F1

Issue Date: November 2006 Issue, Posted On: 10/30/2006

 

Preparing for Takeoff

Cleveland Director of Port Control Ricky D. Smith is ready to make is mark on Hopkins and Burke by boosting revenue and travel at the city's two airports.

Morgan Lewis, Jr.

[email protected]

 

Even before he took the job at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Ricky D. Smith knew how important Continental Airlines is to Northeast Ohio.

 

Continental is the only major carrier to have a hub at Hopkins. The airline is responsible for 252 flights to as many as 71 destinations daily and has invested more than $150 million in new facilities.

 

But more than that, Smith, who up until April was second-in-command for the Maryland Aviation Administration, which controls the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Martin State Airport, witnessed what happened in his native city in 2001 when the financially struggling US Airways removed its hub from BWI.

 

“The region went into a panic,” Smith says. “But what that really presented to us was an opportunity to refocus our airport.”

 

Thanks to the popularity of discount carrier Southwest Airlines, a major influx of traffic to BWI followed. The panic subsided and a $1.8 billion building renovation followed, which included the addition of terminal, retail and parking facilities.

 

Not that Smith expects the same thing to happen here, but keeping Continental as a hub carrier at Hopkins is just the beginning of his tasks. Smith, who took over Hopkins and Burke Lakefront Airport from the effective, but ironfisted leadership of previous director John Mok in June, must maintain and improve some of the oldest airport structures in the country, organize a mishmash of retail offerings and fend off competition from an increasingly aggressive Akron-Canton Regional Airport, not to mention cities like Pittsburgh and Detroit, who are targeting Northeast Ohio for passengers like never before thanks to the Internet.

 

But the 44-year-old Smith isn’t dismayed by those obstacles, or that he’s coming from a 20 million-passenger-a-year and growing airport to Cleveland that has maintained 10.5 million to 13 million passengers a year for the last 10 years.

 

Smith doesn’t scare easily.

 

“If you look at my professional history you’ll find I would never run away from challenges,” Smith says. “I see the ability to take this airport to the next level and make an impact on Cleveland and the region that will outlive myself, the mayor, any of us.”

 

When he was only 12 years old, Smith could almost name every black business owner on Black Enterprise magazine’s “Top 100” list it published every year.

 

“One day, I thought, I was going to be one of them,” Smith says. “There was always a desire and interest on my part to be an entrepreneur.”

After completing a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Howard University in Washington, D.C., Smith completed his MBA from Loyola College in Maryland’s Executive Masters program.

 

“As I got older and spent more time with a number of politicians I began to fall in love with public service,” Smith says. “Airports allow you to be an entrepreneur and public servant at the same time. That’s what keeps me here is my business ability and my ability to negotiate. At the end of the day, we have to focus on the bottom line.”

 

 

([email protected])

Excellent!  I'm really starting to like him.  He seems to want to do whats best for Cleveland and the airport instead of doing the "dance" and kiss ass!

From Aviation Week:

 

New Cleveland Ad Campaign Highlights Airport Upgrades 

By Benet Wilson/Airports 

11/28/2006 08:52:48 AM 

 

"Going Places" is the tag line of a new campaign designed to promote improvements at Cleveland-Hopkins Airport.

 

For the last several years, Cleveland has been competing in an arena with three other airports in the region that engage in aggressive ad campaigns to promote themselves, Airport Director Ricky Smith said. "For whatever reason, Cleveland has sat it out in the past and not engaged in ad wars in an aggressive way," he said. Hopkins competes with Akron-Canton, Port Columbus and Pittsburgh.

 

More below:

www.cleveland.com

can this be moved to the other cleveland airport thread, since it already been discussed in that thread?