HOMEPAGE > NEWSROOM

Press Release

For Immediate Release
September 9, 2008
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
(202) 225-3761

Upton Welcomes New Flight Service to Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Int’l Airport
New service reinforces importance of airport to region’s economy
Upton has delivered funding for the airport the last six years, including $22.5 million last year to expand the terminal and relocate the air traffic control tower

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) applauded today’s news that Direct Air was launching new air service between Kalamazoo and Punta Gorda-Ft. Myers and Orlando-Sanford, Florida.  Upton is a strong supporter of the airport, having delivered federal funding for the airport’s terminal expansion and tower relocation over the last six years.  Last year, the House approved $490,000 to expand the terminal and $22.099 million to relocate the air traffic control tower.

“In the face of rising fuel costs and subsequent downsizing by the nation’s airlines, today’s news that Direct Air is launching new services from Kalamazoo is especially important and reinforces the valuable role of our airport to the national transportation system,” said Upton.  “As we seek to upgrade our airport, the new, environmentally friendly facility here in Kalamazoo will be a foundation to our region’s future economic growth and expansion.  And more flights out of Kalamazoo-Battle Creek to family destinations will spur further competition and keep travel costs down for Michigan’s working families.”

The airport is in the midst of designing a new terminal, and the current tower stands in the way of the design plans for modernizing and upgrading the airport.  The existing terminal was built in 1958.  Despite three expansion projects, the terminal remains overcapacity, and passenger usage continues to grow.  The new terminal will be a “green” facility and will ultimately lower the operating costs for the entire airport.  The current tower has serious line-of-sight issues and the Federal Aviation Administration has deemed it functionally inadequate.

###