Better parking, flights to more cities, and a facelift for the front of Hancock International Airport highlight the transportation hub's future goals. The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority issued its annual report Friday.
Executive Director Christina Callahan looked back on improved concessions, featuring local beers and food products, and improving the parking garage. Travelers will also be able to sign up for TSA pre-check starting in October. Now Callahan is ready to make a few other visible upgrades.
"When you walk in the front door, we want people to say, 'wow, this place has really changed.' So we're looking forward to remodeling the facade of the airport, the terminal facade, installing new ticket counters, we're just giving the entire airport a facelift."
She also plans to examine whether parking could be easier and more efficient for travelers looking ahead. Callahan notes the airlines at Hancock fly direct to 17 destinations out of Syracuse, with connections to just about anywhere else. But she wants to be more competitive...and knows she's fighting for flights with other medium-sized cities.
"Knocking on the airlines door and asking for more service. We need to think strategically how do we set ourselves apart from the competition. And we think in order to do that, we need to be forward thinking, business focused, and treat the airport like a business."
Callahan says an improved airport that serves travelers better helps regional businesses and tourism.