The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority had another successful and productive year for the operation and development of Toledo Express Airport (TOL) and Toledo Executive Airport (TDZ). The Port Authority made significant capital improvements to both airports and saw an increase in passenger service at TOL.
“Toledo Express and Toledo Executive airports are important economic assets that we are proud to manage and operate on behalf of the City of Toledo,” said Paul Toth, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “These airports serve as a front door to the community and the growth and investments made at both facilities in 2018 demonstrate our mission to create a first-class airport system for the Toledo Region.”
The following improvements and developments occurred in 2018:
• The Port Authority welcomed 2019 with growth and momentum at Toledo Express. The airport ended 2018 with a 22.5 percent increase in overall passengers for the year. A total of 241,299 passengers flew through TOL in 2018, which helped drive the airport’s sixth consecutive year-over-year increase in passenger traffic and marks the highest passenger total at the airport since 2008.
• The Port Authority worked with Toledo Public Schools (TPS) to expand and transition the aviation program at Toledo Express into the new Aerospace and Natural Science Academy of Toledo by leasing the former Flight Safety building to TPS. This program allows students to graduate with a high school diploma, Airframe and Power plant FAA mechanics license, and 16 hours of college credit.
• The Port Authority welcomed Tronair’s operation to Toledo Express in the former BAX Global facility. The company hired more than 280 employees in the local market for its manufacturing operation last year.
• The Port Authority took ownership of the fixed based operation at Toledo Executive Airport, which serves the needs of general aviation and corporate aircraft.
• The Port Authority made substantial investment into infrastructure and facilities at both Toledo Express and Toledo Executive in 2018. An investment of $6.8 million went toward improvements such as the replacement of a new terminal roof at TOL, construction of South Airfield Roadway at Express Industrial Park, and a new fuel farm at TDZ.
