Why Binghamton needs its Airport

The Greater Binghamton Airport (aka: Broome County Airport) has been a topic of discussion for a number of years. Over the last 20 or more, it has seen the loss of air service and left passengers having to travel an hour or more to other airports for flights.

As demand for air service shrank from businesses leaving the area and airlines reconfigured to improve profitability, the Binghamton area was left mostly grounded. To add to the frustration, those left to foster over the airport over that time (local government and airport management) may have ignored the needs of the community and did little to address concerns of the traveling community, both business and recreational. As such, support for the airport has waned and now some may ask, “why do we even need an airport?”

An airport is a public asset. And, whether we realize it or not, an airport touches the lives of each and every one of us directly and indirectly. Not only is an airport a gateway to the World, but it is also a Gateway into our community and can have a significant economic impact on our community in a number of ways. Here are nine:

1.     Innovation and technology development: Airports can serve as hubs for innovation and technology development, as well as education and research while providing opportunities for collaboration all leading to the creation of new businesses and industries in the community. (PS: There is business lease space and public meeting space available at the airport.)

2.     Business travel: An airport can make it easier for business travelers to visit the community, potentially leading to increased investment and business opportunities. It also allows local businesses to travel abroad and ship product.

3.     Improved Connectivity: Airports can improve a community's connectivity to other regions, both domestically and internationally. This can increase trade and investment opportunities, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and help businesses to access new markets.

4.     Job Creation: Airports are typically large employers, creating job opportunities for a range of skilled and unskilled workers, including pilots, air traffic controllers, baggage handlers, security personnel, and maintenance workers. The presence of an airport can also attract businesses that rely on air travel, such as airlines, freight companies, and aircraft manufacturers and others.

5.     Real Estate Development: The presence of an airport can also lead to increased real estate development, with businesses and individuals looking to capitalize on the increased accessibility and connectivity of the area.

6.     Increased Tourism: Airports can bring more visitors to a community, increasing the demand for local goods and services such as accommodation, restaurants, and transportation. This can have a positive impact on local businesses and can contribute to the growth of the tourism industry in the region.

7.     Increased tax revenue: Airports can generate significant tax revenue for local governments through ticket taxes, fuel taxes, and other fees.

8.     Emergency services: An airport can serve as a base for emergency services such as medical evacuation flights, firefighting operations and other situations.

9.     National and international prestige: An airport can serve as a symbol of a community's importance and modernity, which can help attract investment, businesses, and talented individuals to the area.

Overall, an airport can have a significant positive impact on a community by generating employment, increasing tourism, improving connectivity, spurring real estate development and stimulating economic growth.

In 2022, through efforts of the airport Commissioner of Aviation (COA) Mark Heefner, we have begun to see changes at the airport. Delta Airlines now provides connections to NYC’s Laguardia airport twice daily and Avelo flies twice a week to Orlando, Florida.

In speaking with Mark, I believe he has a clear vision and one that can lead the airport to solid growth and a strong future that will benefit the Greater Binghamton area. For him to succeed, it is important that he have the total support of our county government and us, the community, by using our airport and even sharing ideas for success. It’s up to us if the airport will be successful and be a larger asset for economic growth as well. Can we count on you?

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