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How does a small gateway such as yours compete against the marketing budgets of your nearby large rivals? We fund our marketing programme adequately to compete effectively and we try to not get distracted by the competition. We know what works and how much it costs. That’s helped us succeed for over 15 years.


What did the nomination for the Routes Airport Marketing Awards in 2010 mean for Akron-Canton? It was a huge honour. To be recognised by global airlines for our marketing success was simply amazing. Regardless of recognition, however we are committed to supporting carriers that serve our community. It is win-win-win for the airport, the airlines and our travellers.


What type of increase in air services has Akron-Canton experienced in the past year? We broke our all-time passenger record in 2010 and exceeded 1.5 million passengers for the fi rst time ever. That success has largely been fuelled by increased capacity by low-fare carriers AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines. Plus, US Airways has increased capacity signifi cantly. The only new route was with SkyWest Airlines – in partnership with AirTran Airways – to General Mitchell International, Milwaukee (MKE), which has done very well.


and AirTran stuck with it. It has exceeded any of our expectations.


What is Akron-Canton’s long-term air services strategy? It is to preserve our low fare advantage, to continue to work with our incumbent airlines to increase routes and capacity, and to recruit new air service when it benefi ts the community, the carrier and the airport.


Are international services on your radar? Yes - we will build a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at CAK in 2014 and will start recruiting airlines in 2012/13.


Can you tell us a bit more about CAK 2018?


Name: Kristie VanAuken Company: Akron-Canton Airport


Designation: Senior vice president and chief marketing & communications offi cer


Home town: Green, Ohio, USA


Which route launch are you most proud of? Defi nitely Milwaukee. It is a wonderful city and a focus for AirTran Airways. It was a challenge though, because the service commenced in January, which is a notoriously bad month in which to start a new fl ight. We stuck with it, MKE stuck with it, and SkyWest


That is our 10-year, long-range capital plan. It involves a $110 million investment in 10 vital projects for our airfi eld. We have just commissioned our runway 5/23 extension and safety upgrade, which is a $60 million expenditure. It was an important milestone for us, because the additional length will allow our carriers to fl y further, to Los Angeles or Texas for example. It is more than just pavement; it is opportunity for the future. In 2011 we shall expand our gate security area, making the experience more relaxing for our customers. We shall also add more car parking and build a new aircraft rescue and fi refi ghting facility (ARFF). It will be another exciting year. It is important to note that we are able to cover the costs of this


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