Breeze Airways Service Good News for Akron-Canton Metroplex Initiative

A new budget airline coming to Akron-Canton Airport serves as a visible example of what can happen when two communities work together.

The Green airport straddles the Summit- Stark County line and exists largely due to potential business from residents and businesses in both counties. If Akron and Canton were 50 miles apart instead of 20, the airport probably would not offer commercial passenger service.

Breeze Airways sees potential to draw enough people seeking convenient direct flights to four tourism destinations, including Tampa, Florida, starting in June. The new airline is seeking to fill a niche by helping passengers avoid layovers in larger airports, although CAK's other airlines offer connections to worldwide destinations.

Breeze's approach fits well with an ongoing effort by the Akron and Canton chambers of commerce and political leaders in both communities to market the region as the Akron-Canton Metroplex for companies seeking to expand their businesses.

When combined, the Akron and Canton Metropolitan Statistical Areas rank as the 50th largest metropolitan area in the United States and fourth largest in Ohio with 1.1 million residents. Those numbers include Portage County, which is part of the Akron MSA and Carroll County in the Canton MSA.

That's a sizable market capable of capturing the attention of decision makers who may otherwise view one of the communities as too small for their business.

Marketing the two communities as one is hardly a new idea. It's been pitched for decades as recalled by Bob DeHoff, CEO and owner of DeHoff Development, in the inaugural edition of the Akron-Canton Metroplex magazine recently published by the Greater Akron Chamber and Canton Regional Chamber.

"There can be no doubt that our fears and perceptions have kept this from happening for far too long," DeHoff wrote. "In 1981, I said that the 'division of two contiguous market areas is unnecessary and harmful to the residents who are losing their share of the economic pie to broader markets that simply include more territory'."

He's correct. Our political boundaries were created long before Interstate 77 linked our communities and made quick commutes possible, let alone before the internet instantly connected everyone to everywhere.

We applaud Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei and the many other chamber and political leaders who are working to make sure regional cooperation replaces regional competition.

What's good for Akron is good for Canton and vice versa. It's that simple.

Another positive aspect of Breeze's plans to fly from both CAK and Columbus is the involvement of JobsOhio, which is seeking to reverse a decline in passenger air options across our state in recent years. The private nonprofit development corporation funded by profits from state liquor sales offered Breeze a minimum revenue guarantee if revenues don't meet certain thresholds. That's critical to convincing airlines to try new flights.

Now, it's up to passengers to decide if the airlines serving CAK are offering the right opportunities and return flight schedules. A shorter drive to the airport, easier access and direct flights are all positives. Initial success could lead to additional flights and cities.

Supporting our airport if it makes sense for your travel plans is one tangible way to support the metroplex initiative.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: New CAK air service good news for Akron-Canton Metroplex initiative

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