Business View Magazine - Nov 2023

266 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 11 other economically distressed areas, Galetka explains. It aims to maintain a minimal level of scheduled air service to communities that were served by air carriers before airline deregulation in 1978, according to the USDOT. As the post-COVID economy improves, will Cedar City see growth? An optimist, Galetka admits even with challenges, the future is looking bright for us. “We’re working heavily on airline development, but that’s not always certain,” he candidly allows, “so we always want to make sure we’re taking care of the airport as a general-aviation airport, as well as taking care of our tenants, who are very critical to our environment.” Galetka shares that the airport’s main runway is 8,650 feet in length by 150 feet wide. “We have a sizable runway,” he says, “not too large, but just enough for what we need. I don’t foresee any changes to our runway size in the next few years.” He adds that Cedar City, beyond its runway upgrades, has benefitted from other infrastructural improvements. The terminal, distinctively designed to resemble a log cabin, had its apron rebuilt some six years ago along with some other aprons and taxiways since. In 2025, the entire parallel taxiway is slated to be rebuilt. “Our whole airport is going to have almost brand-new asphalt within the next six years,” says Galetka, “so we’re very excited about that.” Plus, he adds, a 4,000-square-foot expansion of the 17,000-square-foot terminal will mean enlarging its main holding room and baggage- claim areas. The latter will double in size, going from 500 to 1,000 square feet. Improved restrooms and vending areas are also planned. Further, the security checkpoint will feature more Transportation Security Administration equipment that, at present, cannot fit. Galetka adds “these areas have been overcrowded going on 11 years, when jet-service was first introduced in Cedar City.”