MOVERS & SHAKERS KEVIN C. KLEIN A.A.E. CHERRY CAPITAL AIRPORT DIRECTOR
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Kevin C. Klein A.A.E. CHERRY CAPITAL AIRPORT DIRECTOR (TVC)
How long have you worked at Cherry Capital Airport? I started December of 2002 as the operations manager and was promoted to assistant airport director in 2004. In 2011, I took the reins of airport director. It’s finally safe to fly, right? Yes. The industry has done an outstanding job following cleaning protocols that have keep travelers safe. From HEPA filters on the aircraft to reducing touch points, air travel a safe mode of transportation. 2021 are exciting times at TVC. Yes, American Airlines recently announced Boston and Philadelphia as new non-stop cities for 2021. American has also enhanced its service to New York’s LaGuardia Airport from only weekends last year to daily this summer. The airline also enhanced its service to Charlotte, North Carolina, offering daily service this year. United Airlines will be using mainline aircraft for its Chicago and Denver flights with larger regional jets being used for its Newark
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and Washington Dulles non-stop flights. Additionally, Delta looks to maintain its daily schedule to and from Detroit and Minneapolis. Allegiant will restore its non-stop OrlandoSanford flight in May. This is in addition to the flights traveling to and from Tampa St. Petersburg and Punta Gorda each week. How many airlines do you work with? TVC has four carriers but, the airport reaches out to all carriers within the industry. Currently, we have upcoming meetings with Sun Country, Amazon Air, Spirit, United, American, Delta, Allegiant and Elite Airways. . What do all these new flights mean for Traverse City? Economic growth as we support an impact of over $1 billion to our region. How important is it for Traverse City to be viewed as a destination in the industry? From both the leisure and business perspective, these segments of travel are important. We want passengers to play and do business here,
offering exceptional recreation and hospitality, all growing our region’s economy. It is more affordable to fly out of TVC than some locals think, right? Yes. Our overall air fare has dropped nearly $100 per person over the last two years. With more seats available and airlines like Allegiant coming into our market, this makes our fares some of the best in the state. What is next on the horizon? Return to pre COVID-19 passenger levels by 2023. With those levels returning, comes much needed expansion of the terminal and parking lot. All in an effort to continue the premium airport experience for our guests flying in and out of TVC. Any words of wisdom or a quote that you live by? Planning equals performance. Who’s your hero? My wife Leslie. Without her I am certain I would not be the person I am or want to be.
