September 14, 200717 yr Here's the latest from the mayor's office and Continental, as of 10:53 a.m. .... ___________ CONTINENTAL AIRLINES ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION AT CLEVELAND HOPKINS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Three-phase plan to be completed by summer of 2009; Nonstop Paris service begins May 22, 2008 CLEVELAND, Sept.14, 2007 – Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), along with Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Governor Ted Strickland, announced a plan by Continental to grow its capacity at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) by 40 percent over a two-year period. Continental will initially operate 50 new flights, principally on regional jets, and add 20 new nonstop destinations by next summer. By early 2009, Continental plans to add more than a dozen additional flights, principally on mainline aircraft, further strengthening Cleveland’s role in Continental’s global route network. The project is expected to create an estimated 700 Ohio jobs. Many of the regional jet aircraft used for the additional service will be reallocated from Newark. Beginning in 2009, a number of additional mainline aircraft will also be allocated to support the growth. Today’s announcement is the result of a partnership among Continental, the City of Cleveland and the State of Ohio. “This growth strengthens Cleveland and gives customers more options when connecting within the Continental system,” said Larry Kellner, Continental chairman and chief executive officer. “Mayor Jackson’s partnership, support for air service development and his strong management team at Hopkins were crucial to our decision. We’re also grateful for the leadership and support of Governor Strickland, Lt. Governor Fisher and the State of Ohio, the support of Cleveland City Council and the Ohio Congressional delegation. All this support has helped make it possible for us to grow our presence here.” “Continental Airlines is making a significant investment in the City of Cleveland and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. This strategic investment is designed to maximize Cleveland’s assets, create a positive environment for business and serve as a vehicle for tourism to the entire Cleveland Plus region,” said Mayor Jackson. “I’d like to thank Mr. Kellner, Mr. Smisek, Governor Strickland, Lt. Governor Fisher, Director Smith and all who worked with me and my staff to make this vision for Cleveland a reality.” “The State of Ohio is proud to partner in this effort to support this major expansion in the great City of Cleveland,” said Governor Strickland. The State offered an incentive package valued at more than $16 million; to date, Continental has been awarded a $900,000 Rapid Outreach Grant, a 70-percent, 10-year Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit, an Ohio Investment in Training program grant valued at up to $550,000, as well as employment pre-screening, testing and recruitment services through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. “Ohio’s world-class transportation infrastructure and airports are strengths for our communities that enhance our economic development goals, and this expansion will bolster Cleveland Hopkins and support business development in Northeast Ohio,” said Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Continental’s expanded air service at Cleveland Hopkins will benefit the entire state by improving access to Ohio and demonstrating to expanding businesses one more reason why more than 1,000 internationally owned establishments from 26 countries are located in Ohio.” Growth to Take Place in Three Phases During 2007 to 2009: Phase One Phase one was launched with a significant increase in capacity in 2007 in many mainline markets from Cleveland including: Destination % capacity increase San Francisco 45% Orlando 33% Seattle 32% Los Angeles 10% Seasonal flights to San Diego also began in late December 2006. The 2007 capacity increase has been achieved through a combination of adding additional flight frequency and using larger aircraft on these routes. New service to Quebec City began in June of 2007. Later this month, twice daily flights to Oklahoma City and daily service to Ottawa will begin. As a result of the growth in 2007, Continental’s operation in Cleveland will be 10 percent larger in 2007 than in 2006. Phase Two: 12 New Nonstop Destinations In early 2008, Continental will add 27 new flights to 12 new nonstop destinations including: New Destination Frequency Effective Date Greensboro, N.C. (GSO) Three times daily March 3, 2008 Omaha, Neb. (OMA) Three times daily March 3, 2008 Savannah, Ga. (SAV) Twice daily March 3, 2008 Birmingham, Ala. (BHM) Twice daily April 6, 2008 Charleston, S.C. (CHS) Once daily April 6, 2008 Green Bay, Wis. (GRB) Twice daily April 6, 2008 Tulsa, Okla. (TUL) Twice daily April 6, 2008 Little Rock, Ark. (LIT) Twice daily May 4, 2008 Memphis, Tenn. (MEM) Twice daily May 4, 2008 Lansing, Mich. (LAN) Three times daily May 4, 2008 Des Moines, Iowa (DSM) Twice daily June 12, 2008 Kalamazoo, Mich. (AZO) Three times daily June 12, 2008 (Weekend schedules may vary). In addition, previously announced seasonal service to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) will begin May 22, 2008. The flight is planned to depart Cleveland at 7:05 p.m. and arrive in Paris at 9:05 a.m. the following day. The return flight will depart Paris at 10:50 a.m. on May 23, 2008, and arrive in Cleveland at 2:00 p.m. the same day. Both flights are served with a Boeing 757 aircraft featuring Continental’s award-winning BusinessFirst cabin. Paris is the second European destination served by Continental from Cleveland, following London Gatwick airport (LGW). Customers may go online today at continental.com to begin booking and ticketing the new flights. In addition, customers have the option of making reservations by calling Continental at 1-800-523-FARE, or contacting their local travel agent. Introductory fares will be offered in the new markets. (See attached sheet). Additional cities to be announced later will also be added during Phase Two. Following the completion of the second phase of the expansion in June 2008, Continental expects to be providing 300 daily departures from Cleveland, up from the 242 daily departures in June 2007. Total nonstop destinations served from Cleveland will grow from 80 today to 100. Phase Three Phase Three will be announced in 2008 and will add more nonstop destinations and a further increase in seats to existing Continental markets. The additional capacity will be in place for the peak summer 2009 travel period. The Fleet Continental and its partners have deployed a diverse fleet of aircraft at the Cleveland hub. Flights are operated with Boeing 757s, 737s, Embraer and Canadair Regional Jets, Bombardier Q200s and Beechcraft 1900s. The Beechcraft 1900s will be entirely replaced by Q200s by April 2008. The 37-seat Q200s are quiet, next-generation aircraft featuring state-of-the-art features for passenger comfort. The new routes will be flown by a combination of aircraft types operated by Continental and its regional airline partners. More Than 700 New Jobs In order to support the expanded schedule at the Cleveland hub, Continental expects that it and its regional airline partners will hire more than 700 new employees over the next 18 months. Positions will include airport sales agents and customer service agents. In addition, Continental is also hiring pilots and flight attendants. Continental career opportunities are posted at continental.com. Airport Improvements Support Expansion To support the growth of Cleveland, future facility plans call for an expanded security checkpoint area, a new meet-and-greet waiting area and additional ticket counters. A concession redevelopment program is underway to provide more retail and food and beverage options for travelers at Cleveland Hopkins - - at prices that are comparable to non-airport locations. Continental and the Airport are also reviewing different options to expand and/or relocate the current Federal Inspection Services (FIS) and customs hall. Already completed are a new runway and centralized de-icing pad, C Concourse ramp replacement, expansion of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) bag room with a new in-line baggage screening system, and restroom renovations. Continental Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 3,100 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 144 domestic and 138 international destinations. More than 400 additional points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines. With more than 45,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 67 million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the fourth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World’s Most Admired Airline on its 2007 list of World’s Most Admired Companies. Continental was also named the No. 1 airline on the publication’s 2007 America’s Most Admired airline industry list. Additionally, Continental again won major awards at the OAG Airline of the Year Awards including “Best Airline Based in North America” for the fourth year in a row, and “Best Executive/Business Class” for the fifth consecutive year. For more company information, visit continental.com. ### CLEVELAND EXPANSION PROMOTIONAL FARES CLEVELAND - PARIS Continental will offer a low introductory round-trip coach-class fare of $898 midweek/$958 weekend from Cleveland nonstop to Paris. Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 28, 2007. The fare is valid for travel from the day the service starts until Aug. 28, 2008. A Saturday night stay is required and there is a 30-day maximum stay. Tickets are nonrefundable and a $200 change fee applies. The sale fare does not include a $2.50 September 11 security fee (each way), passenger facility charges up to $18 (round trip), and international taxes and fees of $94. Fares subject to change without notice, seats are limited and other restrictions apply. CLEVELAND - DOMESTIC Continental will offer a low introductory nonstop fare of $198 round trip from Cleveland to the following new markets: Greensboro, N.C. Omaha, Neb. Savannah, Ga. Birmingham, Ala. Charleston, S.C. Green Bay, Wis. Tulsa, Okla. Little Rock, Ark. Memphis, Tenn. Lansing, Mich. Des Moines, Iowa Kalamazoo, Mich. Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 28, 2007. The fare is valid for travel from the day the service starts until Aug. 28, 2008. A three-night or Friday night stay is required. Tickets are non-refundable and a $100 change fee applies. The sale fare does not include a $3.40 per segment fee (each way), a $2.50 per segment September 11 security fee (each way), and passenger facility charges up to $18 (round trip). Fares subject to change without notice, seats are limited and other restrictions apply. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 14, 200717 yr Thank you for the update. Like others said above, I would have liked to see the widening of concourse c. Although 700 jobs is the real plus here, so I'm not complaining.
September 14, 200717 yr Although 700 jobs is the real plus here The real plus is having Cleveland linked nonstop, multiple times a day to 12 more cities across the nation. This will increase Cleveland's connectivity and business appeal greatly. Then of course, the nonstop service to Paris will be another coup for the Cleveland hub. Definitely great news all around, and a very smart step by Continental to utilize their assets in Cleveland to strengthen their entire route network.
September 14, 200717 yr It will be interesting to learn what they've got in mind for phase three. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 17, 200717 yr Looks like there will be 5 more nonstop destinations (they said a total of 20 and have announced 15) and said that they'll be adding mainline (i.e. non regional jet) flights. That makes me think west coast and/or intl. Biggest west coast cities where they don't have any nonstops incl Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Orange County, San Jose, Honolulu, and Tucson. Also seems likely that they'll add some int'l at some point: why would you build a new customs area if you weren't? I don't think you have to go through customs when you come in from Canada so the new flights to Ottawa and Quebec aren't it, and I can't imagine that the seasonal flight from Paris alone would justify it. Also, per the PD article below from the day after the announcement, it looks like they have some interest in adding service to Amsterdam. _______________________ Continental expanding its Cleveland hub at Hopkins An investment in Cleveland,' Jackson cheers Saturday, September 15, 2007 Henry J. Gomez and Susan Vinella Plain Dealer Reporters Passengers at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport soon will have more than 30 options for nonstop flights to 20 new destinations, among them Little Rock, Ark., and Memphis, Tenn. Continental Airlines announced details Friday of a planned $50 million hub expansion that will add service and offer travelers amenities such as a larger security checkpoint and more ticket counters. The project also will create 700 jobs. "This is one of those moments," said Mayor Frank Jackson, surrounded by civic and business leaders at a City Hall gathering. "This is an investment in our future, in Cleveland and our region." The announcement confirmed months of speculation about the airline's growth at Hopkins. Both city and state officials considered the expansion crucial to the region's economic future. Ohio has offered $16 million in incentives to support Continental's expansion. Hopkins must contribute $505,000 as a partial match to the state money, an airport spokeswoman said. The airport also could contribute up to $3.5 million through a new incentive program that financially rewards airlines for adding new flights. Continental, the world's fifth-largest airline, is Hopkins' largest carrier. The company, which already employs more than 2,000 here, also has hubs in Houston and Newark, N.J. But Cleveland has the smallest of the three hubs. Continental Chief Executive Larry Kellner, a former resident of Rocky River, said that makes Hopkins a logical place to grow. "We are going to bring Cleveland into more of a hub than it is today," Kellner said. Expansion here should ease congestion at the Newark hub, which will reallocate many of its regional jet aircraft to support the new air service planned for Hopkins. Continental plans to begin nonstop flights to 20 new destinations by next summer. The airline also expects to launch its previously announced nonstop seasonal service to Paris by then. To reach these Plain Dealer reporters: [email protected], 216-999-5405 [email protected], 216-999-5010
September 25, 200717 yr From The Plain Dealer: Continental gets direct flight to Shanghai from Newark Posted by kturner September 25, 2007 17:53PM It should get easier to get to China for Ohio business and vacation travelers. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters announced Tuesday that several airlines, including Continental with a major hub in Cleveland, have been tentatively awarded rights to fly directly from Newark to Shanghai, China, starting in 2009. Barring an unexpected change in final approval, Continental will join Northwest in Detroit, American in Chicago, Delta in Atlanta and USAirways in Philadelphia as carriers to China. A Continental spokeswoman said the airline will establish through-service from Cleveland to Newark to make a convenient link to Shanghai. Details of the Cleveland-Newark- Shanghai service will be announced when the approval is final.
September 27, 200717 yr that "fake" cleveland thru service flight is a joke! Also, would they just hurry up and announce, TLV, Amsterdamn, Honolulu and Berlin. Opps....
September 27, 200717 yr Ah, coming back with style. Glad to have you back - you were missed. And condolences to you and your family.
September 27, 200717 yr that "fake" cleveland thru service flight is a joke! Also, would they just hurry up and announce, TLV, Amsterdamn, Honolulu and Berlin. Opps.... TLV ??
September 27, 200717 yr Can we please hear something 'concrete (pun INTENDED) regarding an updated customs first?! And, let's put our honorable mayor on a thru flight to Shanghai and take his passport! Geez! The root of Cleveland's crime increase will never be uncovered with an additional 45 cops spread throught the entire city. That's like peeing in the ocean! 45 cops also seems like a small amount of cops to have staffed at the airport or all shifts, too.
September 27, 200717 yr Can we please hear something 'concrete (pun INTENDED) regarding an updated customs first?! And, let's put our honorable mayor on a thru flight to Shanghai and take his passport! Geez! The root of Cleveland's crime increase will never be uncovered with an additional 45 cops spread throught the entire city. That's like peeing in the ocean! 45 cops also seems like a small amount of cops to have staffed at the airport or all shifts, too. Good point. Let's not try to improve things.
September 27, 200717 yr More cops on the streets are exactly what's needed in my opinion. And by on the street I mean walking, meeting residents as well as doing frequent drive-by patrols. I don't see how anyone can argue that.
September 27, 200717 yr KS5214, that is unfair. I love it how many people are "arm chair Mayors". I'm not going to say I agree with how he handles every situation - because he will never please everyone - but to call him a moron is idiotic. Walk a mile in his shoes/job, then make fact based comments.
September 27, 200717 yr The reason I think he is an idiot in this case is because: A) He wants to take senior members of the force and put them back in the field.. horrible idea. B) He wants to replace these airport officers with part-time security, he simply wants to do this because of wanting to avoid paying benefits. Now have you ever had a security officer in your office building? We have one at One Cleveland Center who I see regularly, lets just say he isn't exactly young or able. I can't imagine he would be able to do much to stop a terrorist threat.. nor do I feel a security agency would be able to meet the duties and responsibilities handled by the CPD at Hopkins currently. Better?
September 28, 200717 yr The reason I think he is an idiot in this case is because: A) He wants to take senior members of the force and put them back in the field.. horrible idea. B) He wants to replace these airport officers with part-time security, he simply wants to do this because of wanting to avoid paying benefits. Now have you ever had a security officer in your office building? We have one at One Cleveland Center who I see regularly, lets just say he isn't exactly young or able. I can't imagine he would be able to do much to stop a terrorist threat.. nor do I feel a security agency would be able to meet the duties and responsibilities handled by the CPD at Hopkins currently. Better? To be fair not every non CPD officer is senile and the Mayor is trying to expand police service in a city that has been losing tax base since the 50's.
September 28, 200717 yr KS, How would Jackson save money by adding some private security to the payroll? He still has to pay the police officers. They are simply working in a different area.
September 28, 200717 yr By shifting current officers to the field and adding private security to the airport he saves money in benefits. These private security officers are part time therefore do not receive benefits. The CPD allows officers to work unlimited overtime because it's cheaper then paying for another officer because the cost of benefits is so high.
September 28, 200717 yr ^Are really that cynical? Do you think its a bad idea to get more cops on the streets? I continue to hear rave reviews of the mayor from people who work with him. Many of these people supported Campbell in the last election. Just because he doesn't give the greatest sound bites doesn't mean he's not doing a good job. Have patience, his plans will bear fruit in the future.
September 28, 200717 yr Yeah.. you got me, I want mob rule and no police.. no that's not what I was saying at all. I'm saying that if you're going to put more cops out on the street.. don't take them out of the airport and make them less secure.
September 28, 200717 yr without taking this thread more off topic. KS5214, did you vote in the last Cleveland City Mayoral election? :roll: The suburbs want the benefits of using the airport and if the suburban residents want a say in how the airport is policed and managed, then vote for a special assessment tax, to cover the cost of Cleveland PD officers dedicated solely to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport! Until then, live with the way the city of Cleveland runs the airport. But don't put down a person YOU DO NOT PERSONALLY or know one damn thing about their job. How 'bout that?!
September 28, 200717 yr No I did not vote for Frank Jackson, I was in Dayton getting an eduction. Nor could I have voted in the city of Cleveland even though I work and go to school there (which I think is BS). And see, MTS, the great part of this lil country we live in is that it affords us to criticize ANY public official we damn well please. Every yahoo with a soap box can write a blog and tear into the President, but I disagree with the Mayor of Cleveland's poorly crafted airport security plan and I need to sit down and shut up. THAT, my friend, is ridiculous.
September 28, 200717 yr See sugar....now you're twisting my words. You kids are really trying to get my pressure up on one cup of coffee. You are not a resident of Cleveland, and to my knowledge, you have never been a Mayor, but you labeled Jackson a moron, with out know anything about him or his job. I'm not denying you the right to criticize or give constructive criticism(s), but to label him a "moron"...gimmie a break. Thats what I'm addressing. I don't agree with having "security" gaurds in the airport and I'm a far greater user of the airport than probably 95% of the Cleveland forumers. If you don't like what the mayor does write/emai/fax him. Write to the folks at the airport with suggestions that benefit all users of the airport.
September 28, 200717 yr Nor could I have voted in the city of Cleveland even though I work and go to school there (which I think is BS). Are you serious?
September 28, 200717 yr "I was in Dayton getting an eduction" Might want to go back and polish it up a little ;-) clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
September 28, 200717 yr Also, MTS.. writing letters get your ideas put one place.. the circular file..
September 28, 200717 yr By shifting current officers to the field and adding private security to the airport he saves money in benefits. These private security officers are part time therefore do not receive benefits. The CPD allows officers to work unlimited overtime because it's cheaper then paying for another officer because the cost of benefits is so high. my understanding is that jackson wants to get officers back on the streets ASAP, and he is ultimately willing to hire more officers to achieve this goal. however, in the near term, since there is not a current class of recruits, a quick way to do this is to move airport officers, and then to back staff the airport through private means (using existing off duty officers). i have understood the airport plan to be more of a stop gap until more officers can be added to the city police force. in the meantime, he seems to feel that the 45 officers can do more good on the streets.
September 29, 200717 yr I wonder if Homeland Security could cover the costs of any new officers at the Airport? When is the last time we heard anything about any new funds being distributed throughout the state regarding HS?
September 29, 200717 yr Also, MTS.. writing letters get your ideas put one place.. the circular file.. Bullshit! Your just making excuses. If you were really concerned, you be proactive and find out who at hopkins you should send your comments and suggestion. Hell that persons name is even listed here on UrbanOhio.
September 30, 200717 yr I've heard the following: Continental In 2008 - Paris is confirmed - To be a full fledged hub, no long a "reliever". Capacity should grow more than 40% New routes specifically picked to increase O/D passengers at Cleveland - Design of Customs Facility and C & D Concourse - Covered walkways at multi-use gates on D - Small PC on D Concourse - AMS & BER are speculated, but not confirmed due to fleet size. - Better service to other non continental hub cities (Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, Miami) on 737s ORD, IAD, IND, DTW, MSP will most likely continue to be served by RJs with hourly service. This is still to be worked out. But a step in the right direction! 2009 - More frequencies to West Coast - New Routes to Caribbean & Europe - Flight to TLV Southwest - Looking to expand service to increase market share. More Florida and East Coast flight. JetBlue (strickly speculation) - Looking to enter NE Ohio market - Has had three trips to Cleveland in the last two months.
September 30, 200717 yr Yep. From what I understand there seems to be a lot of Jews from Cleveland that travel to TLV via newark. This is rumored to be one of the flights that will be developed as a part of Clevelands international expansion. I'm trying to get a list of what international destinations are most popular for people who depart Cleveland.
October 1, 200717 yr Author ^i actually notice that when i fly to either newark or nyc, thats interesting
October 1, 200717 yr Police union protests Hopkins security plan Posted by jdubail October 01, 2007 12:48PM The Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association tried again today to punch holes in a plan that would shift officers from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to the streets. Stephen Loomis, president of the 1,300-member union, stumped against Mayor Frank Jackson's proposal outside City Hall this morning, joined by Art Krinsky, a retired FBI agent who now lives in Atlanta. Krinsky, whose expenses are being paid for by the union, echoed Loomis' concerns that replacing 45 officers with a privately managed police force would be dangerous. Krinsky said he spent several years in Cleveland, specializing in homeland security. He said the Cleveland police officers assigned to Hopkins to more than direct traffic. "They are looking for anomalies -- things that don't belong there," he said. The FBI veteran also questioned the public image Cleveland would convey to travelers from outside the region and to terrorists. "It would give the impression that the target is soft," Krinsky said. http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/10/police_union_protests_hopkins.html
October 2, 200717 yr Yay, back on topic with new about CLE expansion!!! (Although we all seem to be a bit upset with the extra 1 cop per 10,000 residents in Cleveland... :roll:) An expanded CLE along the lines of MTS's updates is more spectacular than the Brownies in the Superbowl! But honestly, with 2 months left in 2007, do they really intend to introduce service to AMS, TXL, and TLV with the current customs facility? There is no way something new will be ready by spring 2009
October 2, 200717 yr With the amount of international service we have now, those extra planes being serviced by the current facility wont be all that bad. Its not like all the planes will be landing at the same time. At the same time - the facility sucks! From what i've heard the discussion with Continental and the Airport is: – Expand the current facility for all International users? – Or build a new facility, dedicated only to Continentals international flights, near the C-4 gate area? I think once those details have been hammered out, then we'll see confirmed international destinations. Also the key words in the announcement are "By early 2009, Continental plans to add more than a dozen additional flights, principally on mainline aircraft, further strengthening Cleveland’s role in Continental’s global route network." To me that does not indicate that any new service will start in early 2009. also in the release: "Many of the regional jet aircraft used for the additional service will be reallocated from Newark. Beginning in 2009, a number of additional mainline aircraft will also be allocated to support the growth". I'm sure these aircraft will be use for mid-con service to the west coast.
October 4, 200717 yr New customs checkpoint planned at Cleveland Hopkins airport Posted by cjindra October 03, 2007 22:04PM Cleveland Hopkins International Airport plans to build a new customs checkpoint that will cost at least $30 million, airport director Ricky Smith said Wednesday. Airport revenues, including parking and food and beverage, would pay for the project, not taxpayers. City Council will have to approve the project. Smith said a new facility is needed to accommodate more international flights, including Continental Airlines' new nonstop service to Paris scheduled to begin in May. The airline announced the new international service last fall. Continental executives expressed their desire for a new customs facility when they announced plans last month for a $50 million Hopkins expansion that will bring more than 30 nonstop flights to 20 new cities. The project, which will receive $16 million in loans, grants and tax breaks from the state, will include new ticket counters, a meet-and-greet waiting area and an expanded security checkpoint near Concourse C. The cost of the customs facility - a checkpoint passengers must pass through after a trip abroad - would be in addition to the $50 million expansion project. Smith said he doesn't expect the new checkpoint to be ready until late 2008 or early 2009. In a June letter to Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said the city was committed to the project in support of Continental's expansion. He estimated the cost at $27.6 million, which would include relocating three Northwest Airlines gates from Concourse C - where Continental operates - to Concourse A to make room for a new customs facility. Meanwhile, Smith said airport officials are working on a temporary plan to eliminate the need for passengers to go through customs twice. It would include a service that would take passengers' luggage through customs and then transport it to the baggage claim area. Passengers would go through customs separately and then ride a bus to baggage claim to pick up their luggage. The service would need City Council approval. http://blog.cleveland.com/pdworld/2007/10/new_customs_checkpoint_planned.html
October 4, 200717 yr I wonder if the revenues, from those past due tenants is going to be reallocated to the customs project? I have a sneaky suspicion yes, since "tax payers" are not paying for the project.
October 4, 200717 yr Wait, I'm confused... So there are plans to build the new customs facility but not the Northwest Concourse C gates? By "new checkpoint" opening in late '08/early '09, does that mean new building/terminal or revised circulation within the current location?
October 4, 200717 yr They don't know the location as of yet. By "new checkpoint" opening in late '08/early '09, does that mean new building/terminal or revised circulation within the current location? It appears that is yet to be determined
October 22, 200717 yr New? I'm under the impression that the Sheraton will be renovated. Or is this something that is "new build"?
October 22, 200717 yr Out with the old? City officials investigating options for new Hopkins hotel "The current hotel is impaired by (a lack of) meeting space and by the quality of the property, so some people avoid it," David Sangree, president of Hotel & Leisure advisors, says of the Sheraton Cleveland Hopkins Hotel. Photo credit: MARC GOLUB By JAY MILLER 4:30 am, October 22, 2007 Cleveland officials have begun talks that could lead to a new hotel at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Ricky D. Smith Jr., director of the city’s Department of Port Control, which oversees both Hopkins and Burke Lakefront Airport, told Crain’s Cleveland Business that the city would like to replace the aging, nine-story Sheraton Cleveland Hopkins Hotel with a modern airport hotel on the airport grounds. “We are exploring our options,” he said. Continental Airlines Inc., the largest air carrier at Hopkins, announced last month it planned over the next two years to boost the number of flights from the airport by 80 daily, a 40% increase over current levels. An unfavorable comparison David Sangree, president of Hotel & Leisure Advisors, a Lakewood consulting firm that specializes in advising the lodging and hospitality businesses, said meetings at airport hotels are a growing part of the hospitality trade. But, he noted, the Sheraton at Hopkins, “if you compare it to other airport hotels, is quite an inferior property” in its ability to host such meetings. “The current hotel is impaired by (a lack of) meeting space and by the quality of the property, so some people avoid it,” Mr. Sangree said. The hotel also isn’t connected directly to the airport terminal, he said. Mr. Sangree compared the Sheraton Hopkins, unfavorably, to the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a hotel in the airport’s McNamara terminal that features 404 lodging rooms and 34 meeting rooms totaling 36,000 square feet. By contrast, the Sheraton Cleveland Airport has 287 rooms and 20 meeting rooms totaling 22,000 square feet.
October 22, 200717 yr We'll I like Starwood properties. So if they could turn this into a Sheraton Gateway property or a Westin attached to the terminal, it would be an improvement.
October 22, 200717 yr Well DTW is a huge airport plus since it's far from the city center and most people would probably rather stay in the friendly confines of suburban detroit... Nothing personal Detroiters :wink: Anyways, a Sofitel would spice things up and compliment our Paris service!!
Create an account or sign in to comment