CEO Update – Summer 2024

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is bustling with passenger activity this summer, along with construction projects, marketing kudos and great news from the Florida legislative session. We were excited to hear that $2.75 million in State funds was approved to fund the Charlotte County Airport Aviation Technician Facility Project, an expanded home for CTC's training program, along with $3.75 million to fund adjacent roads and utilities in the PGD AviEx on the north side of airport property.

On the south side, active construction is visible at the end of the Bailey Terminal, which will house a new in-line baggage screening system to improve operational efficiency, while design for the new passenger concourse will continue throughout this year. We're planning ahead to make more space and modern upgrades so we can continue to grow our air service and increase support from customers.

This summer, PGD was named the Best Local Airport in Florida by Midwestern Traveler Magazine, further evidence that customer loyalty is growing nationwide. This incredible honor would not have been possible without your unwavering support and votes, especially from our Midwestern friends. In addition, we're pleased to share that Sun Country will return to PGD this December through April 2025 with service to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Low-cost, nonstop flights to and from MSP twice weekly can be booked online at SunCountry.com.

We're also working closely with the Visitor & Convention Bureau on co-op advertising in selected national markets, as well as implementing our own Google Ads and search engine optimization, to further increase awareness of Punta Gorda beyond Florida borders. We're continually working to recruit new airlines to PGD, and we are now offering an Air Service Incentive Program that includes Marketing Support to enhance our low-cost structure. To better understand our air service marketing efforts, visit www.CatchPGD.com.

Finally, save the dates for the next Southwest Honor Flight on October 15, 2024 and the Florida International Air Show on November 2-3, 2024.

James W. Parish, P.E.

PGD CEO

Charlotte County Airport Authority