Coleman A. Young International Airport in Detroit is marking a new chapter in its history as it embarks on a rejuvenation project that will include Avflight’s 30-year leasehold, the first such long-term lease in the airport’s history.
Underlining the airport’s huge potential, Detroit’s COO, Brad Dick, said: “After several years of hard work residents and visitors alike will begin to see signs of the enormous change to come as Avflight kicks off construction this summer…. I look forward to a few years from now, when Detroit once again has a truly state-of-the-art airport within our city limits.”
The city received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to institute a 20-year airport development and strategy design plan last year, which has enabled the air transport hub to apply for federal funding to subsidise infrastructural upgrades. The agreement with Avflight complements this development, enabling for further investment in the airport’s infrastructure and reflecting the city’s confidence in Avflight as the airport’s sole FBO.
Beginning summer 2024 Avflight will construct a modern terminal measuring at least 3000 sq.ft. along with a 15,000 sq.ft. heated hangar. The FBO and ground handling solutions provider moved on to the airport in 2011 operating under short-term leases. In addition to providing care to aircraft, pilots and passengers, Avflight has also assisted the city in providing maintenance for the airport’s infrastructure.
Describing his enthusiasm for his team’s work at Detroit, Avflight’s VP of Operations, Joe Meszaros, commented: “We’ve always seen the value in preserving Coleman A. Young International Airport’s operations and have worked hard the last decade and a half to not only keep it operational, but also make it a successful enterprise – one that supports the city’s economy by serving as a gateway to Detroit business and as an employer of Detroit’s citizens.”
He also noted that with the airport’s close proximity to the city’s business district and local automotive companies, the new terminal will provide a “shining beacon to welcome commerce to Detroit.”
Other enhancements at the airport include a recently completed $350,000 LED taxi lighting upgrade and $3.5 million runway renovation. Upcoming projects include a $1.2 million ramp pavement improvement project and $8.1 million engineered material arresting system.
Further city-planned initiatives include constructing a new control tower with the FAA beginning in 2026, an airport beautification initiative, upgraded snow removal equipment and establishing educational and community organisations at the airport to promote and host educational opportunities for Detroit citizens. In time, proponents hope the airport revitalisation project provides a pathway to move the Davis Aerospace Technical High School back to the airfield.
