with Fornwalt and his assistant currently sharing an office. SkyWest office space is also limited. TSA operations are particularly constrained, with screening and back-of-house space becoming difficult once passenger loads exceed roughly 20 people in the secure area.The expansion will create dedicated and more secure TSA space, improve seating and circulation, expand the ticketing and lobby areas, and strengthen passenger comfort in peak windows. The project will also improve concessions and customer service support. Hertz, which currently operates with limited room inside the terminal, is expected to receive expanded space as part of the upgrade. The parking lot project also supports the rental car component, providing room for more vehicles and stronger service capacity as passenger volumes rise. COMMERCIAL STRATEGY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LINKS Beyond passenger service, the airport continues to work closely with local economic development partners and city-county leadership to strengthen its role as an economic gateway. Fornwalt remains in regular contact with regional officials and communications leadership, reinforcing the airport’s visibility and ensuring aviation is part of larger community conversations around growth. One potential development that could reshape the airport’s long-term positioning is a drone manufacturing operation expected to be located locally. While details are still emerging regarding which components will be produced, the airport is already participating in workforce conversations tied to the project. Working with Kansas transportation leadership and the school district, the airport is exploring pathways to introduce aviation-related coursework at the high school level. Options include basic engineering coursework, light maintenance training, pilot education, and unmanned aircraft instruction. The idea is to build an early talent pipeline that can 204 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 13, ISSUE 01 LIBERAL-MID AMERICA REGIONAL AIRPORT
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