An expansion of Elizabethtown’s airport, including a return of commuter flights, Regional Airport promises benefits for Grayson County, a consultant said. Luke Schmidt, who works with the Elizabethtown Regional Airport’s board, presented several potential benefits of having jet service and commuter flights 30 miles away to a crowd of Grayson County Chamber of Commerce members on June 25.
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Elizabethtown Airport could boost Grayson’s appeal
Topic discussed at Chamber luncheon
By DeAnna Lasley
An expansion of Elizabethtown’s airport, including a return of commuter flights, Regional Airport promises benefits for Grayson County, a consultant said.
Luke Schmidt, who works with the Elizabethtown Regional Airport’s board, presented several potential benefits of having jet service and commuter flights 30 miles away to a crowd of Grayson County Chamber of Commerce members on June 25.
Fort Knox, the largest airline user in Kentucky, will have possibly the most to gain from the regional airport, saving nearly $1 million a year. However, surrounding counties can benefit through the airport’s one-step access to larger hubs such as Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago and Cincinnati.
Schmidt said expanded Addington Field, which is located off Ring Road near one of Elizabethtown’s industrial parks, could make Grayson County more attractive to potential industries and businesses. It also would bring the county closer to the global market. The airport will serve a 24-county area.
EKX is seeking a major airline for regional jet service with 50-passenger planes and competitive fees. Once an airline is chosen, a state-of-the-art passenger terminal will be built.
A major attraction: Front door parking will be free.
Funding for the expansion is being taken through subscription or a travel bank. The subscriptions would be payable after the airline is contracted. Subscriptions would be repaid as the subscriber used the airport, on a dollar-by-dollar basis.
Schmidt said ideal subscribers would use the airport regularly for business and pleasure. Larger industries would be asked to subscribe at the $25,000 level or greater.
Expansions at EKX are not anticipated to have a big affect on Leitchfield/Grayson County Airport. The local airport is used by smaller planes and mostly by independent pilots.
Kirk Collard said the local 4,000-foot runway was sufficient but challenging to land a jet, as compared to the 6,000-foot runway in Elizabethtown.