Аэропорт Шreveport готов к празднику и планирует строительство новой вышки

Аэропорт Шreveport ожидает среднюю нагрузку на праздничные выходные, однако администрация анонсировала масштабные улучшения инфраструктуры. В ближайшие годы планируется строительство новой башни управления воздушным движением стоимостью около 30 миллионов долларов, что должно повысить конкурентоспособность аэропорта в регионе.

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SHREVEPORT, La. -- The Shreveport Regional Airport is prepared to handle Labor Day weekend travelers, while officials say several improvements could make the airport an even bigger draw in the years ahead. Travel loads at the airport are expected to be average this Labor Day weekend, with no new flights added for the holiday. Airport officials expect planes to be about 80%-90% full. For some travelers, flying out of Shreveport can be less expensive than driving to a larger airport, such as Dallas-Fort Worth. Juliette Richardson, who lives in Dallas, said she drove to Shreveport to visit a friend before flying to North Carolina for an extended trip. "I took advantage of the extra day off. Cheaper to fly out of Shreveport," Richardson said. "Honestly, it's like $200 to $300 less." Richardson said the savings made the drive to Shreveport worthwhile. The airport has undergone several changes aimed at improving the passenger experience, including new entrance signage, a new Dripp Donuts location and additional parking. Airport Director Larry Blackwell said the improvements are part of an effort to give travelers more reasons to use the local airport. "People in our region are using our airport and we really, really appreciate that," Blackwell said. "We've given the airport much-needed TLC." Those efforts come as the airport continues to play a significant role in the local economy. A recent economic study by LSU Shreveport found the airport's performance to be one of the bright spots in the regional economy. LSUS economist Douglas White said the airport had its busiest year on record last year. While passenger traffic through the first two quarters of this year has not matched last year's pace, White said the most recent quarter was the third busiest on record. More improvements could be coming. If an anticipated federal funding package is approved, construction could begin later this year on a new air traffic control tower. The project would involve replacing the existing tower, which is about 50 years old. Blackwell said the new tower would include a base building for Federal Aviation Administration staff and would be taller than the current structure. The existing tower has become increasingly difficult to maintain, including an elevator for which replacement parts are no longer available, Blackwell said. The tower project is expected to cost roughly $29 million to $30 million. Other recent capital improvements at the airport include work on a federal customs inspection area. Airport officials say the projects are part of a broader effort to improve the facility and make Shreveport a more competitive option for travelers across the region.