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New Construction Could Bring More Flights To Billings Logan International Airport

Single engine air tanker (SEAT) returning to Plains, Montana airport from the burnout operation on August 29. SEATs have been dropping water in support of burnout and fireline construction on both the north and south sides of the Copper King Fire.
Inciweb

The latest in a series of federal grants could help Billings increase its number of flights and attract new airlines.

Billings Logan International Airport began construction of its new terminal earlier this month.

The project will increase the airport’s five gates to eight. Chamber of Commerce CEO John Brewer says that could provide more flight options through existing airlines and open up flights to major destinations, like Billings did in 2017 when it established direct flights to Dallas.

Brewer also says the four extra terminals could help Billings appeal to airlines that don’t yet serve the city.

“And for us to then have that capacity at the gate to have the ability to knock on their door now gives us the chance to be in the game," Brewer says.

He says that could further support tourism in Billings.

The city markets itself as “Montana’s Trailhead,” a jumping off point into other areas. The airport estimates it’ll take roughly $55 million dollars to complete the expansion.

This week it was awarded another $2 million dollars in funds from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Airport director Kevin Ploehn says they’re still on phase one of five in the terminal expansion, with construction expected to wrap up in 2023.

Kayla Desroches reports for Yellowstone Public Radio in Billings. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and stayed in the city for college, where she hosted a radio show that featured serialized dramas like the Shadow and Suspense. In her pathway to full employment, she interned at WNYC in New York City and KTOO in Juneau, Alaska. She then spent a few years on the island of Kodiak, Alaska, where she transitioned from reporter to news director before moving to Montana.
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