PRIORITIZING GROWTH AND CONNECTION With years of experience in aviation management, Kjergaard’s focus at Waterloo Regional Airport is not just on operational improvements but on strengthening connections within the community and elevating the airport’s role in regional growth. “My goal is to continue to integrate myself into the community at a personal level,” he says, adding that strong local relationships are key to the airport’s success. One of Kjergaard’s primary ambitions for Waterloo Regional Airport is to attract additional air service options, particularly low-cost carriers. With the region’s travelers frequently driving to larger airports in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, or even Minneapolis for a wider range of flights, Kjergaard sees an opportunity to bring some of that traffic back to Waterloo.“We’re looking to expand air service, whether that means a low-cost carrier or just more consistent flights in and out,” he explains.“My aim is to make the airport more accessible for business and leisure travelers, potentially reducing travel time and costs for the community.” Alongside improving air service, Kjergaard is finding ways to boost private development at the airport. He’s particularly interested in facilitating private hangar construction. “We’re looking to shoehorn in some type of private hangar development to provide local businesses and private pilots with customized space for their aircraft while generating new revenue streams for the airport,” he says, describing his vision for a more self-sustaining airport that can meet the diverse needs of its users. As Kjergaard sees it, these goals—enhanced air service, private development, and community integration—are all interconnected. With each initiative, Waterloo Regional Airport moves closer beyond just a transit point to become a key contributor to regional prosperity. His approach hinges on the belief that an airport’s success is measured not only by its infrastructure but also by the strength of its relationships with its passengers and its community. 243 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 WATERLOO REGIONAL AIRPORT
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx