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Capital Region International Airport (IATA: LAN, ICAO: KLAN, FAA LID: LAN), formerly known as Lansing Capital City Airport, is a public, Class C airport located 3 miles (5 km) northwest of downtown Lansing in DeWitt Township, Michigan. The airport is owned and operated by the Capital Region Airport Authority, a six-member governing board. Three members represent Ingham County and three members represent the City of Lansing. The Airport Authority also oversees nearby Jewett Field (TEW) in Mason, Michigan. According to the Airport Authority, 265,967 people flew in or out of the airport in 2009, a 38 percent drop from 2008, and a 59 percent drop since 2000.
HistoryEarly 1900sThe first recorded flight in Lansing took place on October 15, 1911, at an old racecourse (now the Red Cedar Golf Course). More than 20,000 spectators watched pilot Jimmy Ward perform stunts in the Shooting Star, his Curtiss biplane. The dedication of Capital City Airport was held on the weekend of July 14 – 15, 1928, and attended by 70,000 people. A Stinson Detroiter plane arrived at the airport with Lansing's first air mail delivery on July 5, 1928. Mayor Laird J. Troyer, Chamber of Commerce President Alton J. Hager, and airport committee chairman Clyde B. Smith, among others, were present to witness the plane's arrival. Regular cargo service from Capital City Airport began on July 17, 1928, via Transamerican Airlines. That day pilot C.V. Pickup departed with five sacks of mail en route to New York City. Lansing postmaster Walter G. Rogers was among those present to witness the event. In 1929 J. D. Foster completed construction on a 60-by-120-foot, 7,200 square feet (669 m) aircraft hangar, the first building in what would become known as the Francis Aviation Complex at Capital City Airport. By the end of the year, fixed base operators Foster Airways, SKF Air Service, Inc., and Wolverine Flying Service, Ltd. had constructed hangars at the airport. Passenger service commenced on September 1, 1929, by Kohler Airlines. By 1934 Pennsylvania Airlines and Transport was providing air mail and passenger service to Detroit, Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and across Lake Michigan. The Foster Hangar housed a flight school operated by Harvey Hughes from 1934 to 1936. In the late 1930s, Lansing aviator, Lieutenant Arthur J. Davis, operated Michigan Airways, Inc. out of the hangar. During World War II, Francis Aviation and Hughes Flying Service provided ground and flight training to 300 pilots per month as part of the U.S. Government's Civilian Pilot Training Program and War Training Service. The training included three weeks of instruction at Michigan State College and continued at Capital City Airport. The airport's original terminal building was constructed in 1940. The same year, a 100-by-100-foot concrete hangar and an adjoining office wing were completed at the west end of the airport. In addition, the airport acquired 67 acres (27 ha) of land adjoining the north side of the airport and runway 6/24 was extended by 1,000 feet (305 m). Also in 1940 the airport unsuccessfully bid for an $8.4 million Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics. 1950s-1970sIncreasing demand for air service led to the construction of the current terminal building in 1959. The terminal has undergone several renovations and additions since then. In April 1967 a new $38,000 observation room opened in the terminal. The room allowed viewers to hear radio communications between the airplane pilots and control tower through a loud speaker. In the early 1960s, Lansing Community College leased the Francis Aviation Complex at Capital City Airport. The college relocated to a new facility near the airport terminal in 1974. In 1970 Michigan Public Act 73 allowed the creation of the Capital Region Airport Authority, transferring jurisdiction of the airport from the State of Michigan to the Airport Authority. The airport's first surveillance radar was installed in 1973. By 1977 the approach lighting system and instrument landing system for runway 10R was activated. From 1978 to 1991 fixed base operator and aerial photography company White Star Photography purchased and operated from the Francis Aviation Complex. 1980s-1990sIn 1980 a 5,300 square feet (492 m) airport fire station was built. An air carrier terminal apron reconstruction followed in 1982. Between 1988 and 1990 runway 14/32 was decommissioned and became taxiway F. In January 1987 United Airlines announced that it was ending flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Lansing on April 5, after nearly 56 years of service. United Express, operated by Air Wisconsin, resumed the service to Chicago. During the 1990s, the Francis Aviation Complex was demolished for airport expansion and for compliance with FAA regulations. In 1992 a major renovation of the terminal building included the addition of 50,000 square feet (4,645 m) to the facility. The following year the public parking lot was reconstructed and a new airport surveillance radar (ASR-9) was activated. President Bill Clinton landed at the airport aboard Air Force One on July 22, 1999, to hold a forum on Medicare at Lansing Community College. 2000sFlight ReductionsDuring the 2000s, Capital Region International Airport has seen the number of daily flights reduced from 35 to 12. In May 2000 American Eagle Airlines discontinued its flights to Chicago-O'Hare, eliminating five daily flights and 23 positions at the Lansing airport. In October 2003 US Airways ended daily flights to its Pittsburgh hub. Continental Airlines suspended their daily flights to Cleveland effective January 2004. Chicago Express/ATA Connection Airlines ended service from Lansing to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) due to the airline's bankruptcy in March 2005. That same year Midwest Connect ended service to Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport (MKE). In September 2007 Continental Airlines announced three daily flights from Lansing to the airline's hub in Cleveland to begin in May 2008; however, rising fuel costs and the delay of terminal expansion plans at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) caused Continental to suspend these flights before they began. Delta Air Lines announced in July 2008 that it was ending its three daily non-stop flights (via Comair) from Lansing to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) effective September 1, eliminating 26 jobs at Lansing's airport. Delta also had offered non-stop flight from Lansing to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) from 2005 to 2007. In August 2009 the airport applied unsuccessfully for a U.S. Department of Transportation grant, worth $750,000, to help reestablish nonstop flights from Lansing to Washington D.C. These grants are designed to help develop air service from smaller markets. Washington D.C. is the number one end destination from Lansing, according to the Capital Region Airport Authority. Low Cost AirlinesSeveral low cost carriers offered service to and from Lansing, with varying degrees of success. In July 2003 Allegiant Air began offering nonstop flights from Lansing to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). The addition of the low cost carrier enabled the average fare from Lansing to drop by 35 percent. Over the next few years, Allegiant added flights to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) in May 2005 and St. Petersburg-Clearwater (PIE) in December 2006. In November 2008 Allegiant announced that it would depart Lansing's airport and move to nearby Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport effective January 2009, citing reduced competition from Detroit Metro Airport and financial incentives as the reasons for the move. In July 2004 Independence Air began nonstop flights from Lansing to Washington DC's Dulles International Airport (IAD). Northwest Airlines soon followed with similar flights to Dulles. Up to 11 direct flights a day were offered from Lansing to Washington DC between the two airlines, some flights as low as $29. Independence Air left the Lansing market in January 2005, citing high fuel prices and heavy competition from Northwest. In June 2005 Northwest moved their Lansing flights from Dulles to Reagan International Airport (DCA). By January 2006 Northwest canceled this route, leaving Lansing with no direct flights to Washington, DC. In March 2009 start-up carrier JetAmerica (previously known as Air Azul) announced direct flights starting in July 2009 between Lansing, Newark and Melbourne, Florida. However, after delaying the start of flights, the company folded on July 17 without operating a single flight. International FlightsThere have been several attempts at establishing international passenger service at the airport. In April 2004 Laker Airways Bahamas Ltd. announced flights from Lansing to the Bahamas with an intermediate stop at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio to begin that fall. In January 2008 Shamrock Express by Kenny Tours, announced non-stop flights from Lansing to Shannon, Ireland beginning in June 2008. In both cases, the service was canceled before flights began. Apple Vacations announced in July 2009 that starting in December they will offer weekly seasonal flights to Cancún, Mexico on USA 3000 Airlines. These are the first non-stop international flights from Lansing. Facility Upgrades and ClosuresIn January 2008 Capital Region International Airport was designated as an International Port of Entry into the United States, with Customs and Border Protection officers on duty to process international passengers and air freight. By May 2009 a new 14,000 square feet (1,301 m) federal inspection station opened in the terminal, capable of processing 200 passengers per hour. In November 2008 a 500 feet (152 m) extension to the largest of the three runways (now 8,506 feet (2,593 m)) was completed to allow for larger aircraft to use the airport. The $9.9 million project required the temporary closure of nearby DeWitt Road. In March 2009 the Federal Aviation Administration announced the planned consolidation of radar control for Lansing's airport, as well as that of airports in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, to nearby Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in 2013. The cost saving move will occur upon completion of Kalamazoo Airport's new air traffic control tower (TRACON). Despite the consolidation, each airport will still maintain its own air traffic control tower. In November 2009 Lockheed Martin, operator of the flight service station located at Capital Region International Airport, announced the closing of the service station, effective February 2010. The Lansing station is one of 13 to close nationwide and provides 25 jobs and $120,000 in annual rent to the airport. 2010sA Concierge Travel Center opened at the airport in May 2010, offering the ability to book airline tickets, cruises, tours, car rentals, and hotel rooms. In June 2010 Apple Vacations announced seasonal flights to Cancún (CUN), Jamaica-Montego Bay (MBJ/MKJS), Fort Myers (RSW), Orlando (MCO), and Las Vegas (LAS) beginning in December on Sun Country Airlines. Current and Future DevelopmentThe Lansing Regional Business Travel Trust was formed by the Airport Authority and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2004. A coalition of the local business, education, and government community, the Travel Trust seeks to promote the airport. Master PlanThe airport's most recent Master Plan was released in December 2006. The Plan identifies four major goals for the airport: Retain and expand scheduled passenger flights, increase charter operations, increase corporate and general aviation activities, and increase cargo activities. In order to achieve these goals, the airport over the long term endeavors to, among other things:
The planned expansion at Capital Region International Airport calls for the replacement of a building occupied by Lansing Community College's aviation mechanics program. In June 2009 the College announced that it was relocating the program to nearby Mason Jewett Field (TEW). By February 2010 the program relocation plans were on hold, due to pending litigation. Port LansingThe airport received U.S. Port of Entry status in January 2008. The name Port Lansing reflects this designation. Capital City Airport was renamed Capital Region International Airport to emphasize the Port of Entry status. By June a U.S. Customs Inspection Station was established. To promote increased international commerce in and around the airport, a Foreign Trade Zone was activated, effective August 24, 2009. The Foreign Trade Zone includes 840 acres (3.40 km; 1.31 sq mi) of property near the terminal and runways. The trade zone allows goods to be delivered there duty free — with reduced, deferred, or eliminated customs fees — providing a competitive advantage to companies doing business within the trade zone. According to the Airport Authority, the airport has over 100 acres (0.40 km; 0.16 sq mi) of land available for immediate development. Facilities and OperationsCapital Region International Airport covers 2,160 acres (8.74 km; 3.37 sq mi). TerminalThe current terminal building, constructed in 1959, is 161,000 square feet (14,957 m) and has four floors. The lower two floors are passenger levels. The third floor houses the airport's administrative offices and the fourth floor contains the control tower. The terminal has nine gates, including six jetways. Located in the terminal is the Capital Market, a gift shop featuring many items unique to mid-Michigan. Café Lan, on the first level of the terminal, is a full service restaurant and grill serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Concierge Travel Center offers the ability to book airline tickets, cruises, hotels, tours, foreign currency exchange, and limousine rentals. The Spartan Pub, on the second level, is a cocktail bar and coffee shop (serving Coffee Beanery brand) with a deli menu. A business center is located near gate 6, and it provides complimentary wireless (SSID "CRAA") Internet access. AeronauticsThe Michigan Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services is located along the airport's southeast ramp. The Michigan Aeronautics Commission meets at the airport bimonthly. RunwaysCapital Region International Airport has three runways:
ParkingThe airport has both short and long term parking lots, with a combined capacity of 1,500 parking spaces. There is a 15 minute grace period in the short term parking lot. The short term lot is closer to the terminal building, though the long term lot generally provides lower rates. Several area hotels participate in the airport's Park and Fly program, in that they offer special room rates and free shuttle service for airport patrons. Aircraft OperationsFor the 12-month period ending December 31, 2008, the airport had 46,562 total aircraft operations (a 44 percent decrease from 2007), with an average of 128 per day. 61% of the aircraft operations were general aviation, 37% were scheduled commercial, and 2% were military. Of the 80 aircraft based at the airport, 63% were single engine, 26% were multi-engine, 8% were jet aircraft, and the remaining were helicopters and military aircraft. Passenger aircraft landings dropped from 12,224 in 2000 to 3,623 in 2009, according to the Capital Region Airport Authority.
In February 2009 Forbes Magazine ranked Capital Region International Airport tied for the 18 most expensive airport to fly from in the United States, with an average fare of 35¢ per mile. The magazine ranked two other Michigan airports as more expensive. Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City was ranked second (41¢ per mile), and MBS International Airport (MBS) northwest of Saginaw was tied for the 11 most expensive airport in the country (36¢ per mile). Airlines and destinationsThe following passenger airlines fly to and from Capital Region International Airport:
The majority of flights serving the airport are on Bombardier CRJ200 regional airliners; some flights are on Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. Sun Country Airlines flights are on Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Passenger StatisticsThe peak year for passenger activity at Capital Region International Airport was in 1997 with 720,365 total passengers. CompetitionCapital Region International Airport competes with nearby Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), and the recent growth of Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT). In addition, the Michigan Flyer provides motorcoach service roundtrip from nearby East Lansing to Detroit Metro Airport eight times daily. In 2006 the Capital Region Airport Authority estimated that the airport lost approximately 162,000 passengers that year to nearby competing airports. The airport lost about $53 million in annual revenue as a result of the passenger losses. According to the Airport Authority, recent research found that 550,000 of the 873,000 airline tickets sold from mid-Michigan in 2009 were to travelers using other Michigan airports, resulting in an economic loss of $108 million to the region. The lost revenue to the airport was approximately $17 million. In March 2009 the Lansing State Journal cited a Michigan State University study finding that passengers out of Capital Region International Airport feel the airport is convenient to use, but more than two-thirds of those surveyed also flew from other Michigan airports during the previous year. This is despite 84% of passengers being satisfied with the airline service offered at Lansing's airport, a drop from 93% passenger satisfaction in 2002. The 2008 study noted that 49% of travelers thought Lansing's airport was more expensive to fly out of than Detroit Metropolitan Airport; 13% of travelers thought Lansing was less expensive. The same study in 2002 found that 41% of travelers thought that Lansing was more expensive to fly out of than Detroit, and 14% thought Lansing was less expensive.
Airports included are within 75 miles or a 90 minute drive of LAN. Source: RITA, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, USDOT In addition to nearby Mason Jewett Field (TEW) located 15 miles (24.1 km) southeast, other local general aviation airports include University Airpark (41G) 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast in Bath Township and Abrams Municipal Airport (4D0) 6 miles (9.7 km) west in Watertown Township, Michigan. CargoCargo tenants at Capital Region International Airport moved 42,045,568 pounds (19,071,549 kg) of cargo in 2009.
Cargo StatisticsThe peak year for total cargo activity at Capital Region International Airport was in 2007 with 65,415,031 pounds (29,671,759 kg) of cargo.
General and Corporate AviationCapital Region International Airport is served by two fixed base operators.
The Lansing Community College Aviation Center, located at the southwest end of the airport, offers Aviation Flight and Aviation Maintenance programs. Ground Transportation
Incidents and AccidentsOn July 17, 1985, a single-engine plane, piloted by a passenger, landed at the airport after the pilot suffered a fatal cardiac arrest. The plane, which departed from Flint, Michigan, incurred a damaged nose and blown tire upon landing. The pilot of a nearby plane flew alongside and guided the troubled aircraft to the airport. In February 1988 Kenneth Hasson, of Los Angeles, was arrested for bringing 30 pounds (13.6 kg) of cocaine, worth $11 million, through the airport. Hasson and an accomplice were sentenced to life terms in prison. On February 11, 1991, a Glasair 3 two-passenger plane skidded off a runway into a field after experiencing problems with the landing gear. The plane caught fire; however, the pilot and passenger were not injured. On August 23, 1991, about 250 hamsters and gerbils shipped from Mississippi chewed through packing boxes, escaped, and scattered throughout Lansing's airport. On September 27, 1993, a Midwest Flying Service Aero Commander 690A twin-engine turbo prop crashed near Lansing en route to Battle Creek, Michigan (BTL) shortly after take off. The plane was experiencing electrical problems and reportedly changed direction and altitude continually before colliding with trees. The crew of two were killed. On June 6, 1996, Continental Express flight 3123 from Cleveland sustained minor damaged from a small cockpit fire en route to Lansing. The Beech 1900 aircraft landed safely in Lansing with no injuries to the 2 crew and 16 passengers. On November 24, 2004, Northwest Flight 1933 from Detroit slid off the runway into a field. The flight had been delayed due to inclement weather. No injuries were reported. On July 22, 2007, Northwest Flight 619 to Minneapolis had to return to Lansing after takeoff due to smoke appearing in the cockpit. No injuries were reported. On April 18, 2008, a Beech twin-engine airplane flying from Tomahawk, Wisconsin sustained heavy damage when its landing gear retracted while landing. No serious injuries to the pilot and passenger were reported. On July 5, 2009, a Cessna single-engine airplane made an emergency landing after its landing gear would not go down. The plane was damaged; the pilot and two passengers were not injured. On February 14, 2010, Delta Connection flight 3679 with 35 passengers returned to the airport terminal after a passenger became unruly and tried to exit the plane while taxiing prior to takeoff. The Bombardier CRJ200, en route to Detroit, was delayed for three hours. The passenger was detained by airport police and FBI agents. On June 10, 2010, a TSA official noticed a deceased person in a vehicle parked in the airport's long term parking lot. The driver, a victim of a suicide, parked the vehicle on February 25 and was not in plain view. Photo galleryThe above content comes from Wikipedia and is published under free licenses – click here to read more.
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