Billings Logan International Airport
Billings, MT
After a decade of planning, the time had finally arrived to begin the remodel and expansion of Billings Logan International Airport Terminal, then COVID-19 hit. Kevin Ploehn, Director of Aviation and Transit and head of the remodeling project, was unsure how to proceed.
“Airports completely shut down across the country,” he said. “We had to make the decision whether to put a hold on the project or move forward not knowing what the future looked like.”
In the end, Kevin and his team took a leap of faith and started the $60 million dollar project. It turned out to be the right move for several reasons, economics being one.
“If we’d waited, the project would have cost 30 percent more,” Kevin said.
Billings Logan International Airport is serviced by five major airlines (United, Delta, Alaska, American, and Allegiant)
Direct Flights to major cities include Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Denver, Seattle, and Dallas, with seasonal flights to Chicago
Eastern Montana is serviced by Essential Service airline, Cape Air offering flights between Billings and Sidney, Havre, Glasgow, Glendive, and Wolf Point
Arrival time prior to flights is now at least two hours
The airport is a regional cargo hub for FedEx and UPS
COVID-19 relief funding financed a large portion of the project and with the decrease in air travel, the nearly empty airport made it more convenient for construction workers to proceed.
Today, several phases have been completed and the result looks more like a luxurious hotel lobby than an airport terminal. Complementary colors give the feel of warmth and thick carpeting cushions the noise. New gates, comfortable chairs, and additional bathrooms make the area more efficient. Charging stations for electronics, a quaint coffee shop and deli, plus a full-service bar offer travelers options while waiting on flights. Large, full-length windows on three sides of the terminal give travelers their first glimpse of the beautiful Montana landscape and the ability to watch planes land and taxi to the terminal.
As Director for the past seven years, the remodel has been Kevin’s largest undertaking. He and his team worked diligently with the expansion and dealing with COVID-19, all while operating the airport.
“It was a huge undertaking,” he said. “We’re very proud of how it’s turning out.”
Employed in airport administration for the past 29 years (33 overall with the City of Billings), Kevin has observed firsthand the changes that have taken place over the years.
“There was a time when pay phones brought in $40,000 a year to the airport,” he said. “Cell phones have definitely been the biggest change to travelers, from ticket purchases to checking in. Of course, everyone has one, so there’s no need for pay phones anymore.”
Billings Logan International Airport remains among the largest in the region catering to Southcentral and Eastern Montana and northern Wyoming. This past summer, planes were at 90 percent capacity or more and that appears to be extending into fall and winter travel.
“Ticket prices and the schedules are all determined by the airlines,” Kevin continued. “We’re just a landlord, providing the facilities for the airlines to operate out of, as well as the facilities that cater to the traveler’s needs.”
Owned by the City of Billings, the airport is completely self-sufficient and does not utilize any local taxpayer funding. Revenues are generated through landing fees, building rentals, parking, advertising, food and retail services, and ground rentals.
The two-mile runway is 100’ higher on the west end, making it a destination for training for Boeing and the Air Force
The yearly economic impact to the local economy in the region is $450 million
The annual operating budget is $8,700,000
The Airport provides over 700 jobs in the community
The World’s Largest Belt Buckle, made by Montana Silversmiths, will be on display beginning in January
A high-tech TSA area is still under construction, along with a gift shop and more gates. When the project is finished, even the lower level will have a fresh look with new flooring, updated restrooms, a better system for advertisers, and more comfortable seating.
“The Terminal project was all planned out to be more efficient, secure, and welcoming,” Kevin said. “It’s a huge improvement. We are a very necessary presence in our community. You can’t grow a city without an airport. We’re very proud of our airport and we want our community to be, too.”
Advertorial paid for by Billings Logan International Airport