community collaboration, and is a critical asset in the region. A DYNAMIC AVIATION HUB Classified by the FAA as a small hub commercial service airport, SGF offers a range of services, from commercial airlines to military operations and general aviation. “We have all components of an active and thriving general aviation area,” Brian Weiler, Director of Aviation shares.“The airport actually runs the fixed base operator, but it is rebranded under Midwest Premier Aviation. We have air cargo through UPS and FedEx. We’ve got a fairly large military base that does heavy helicopter maintenance operations.” Beyond this, the airport regularly handles medical helicopters, organ transplant transports, and flights related to the nearby U.S. Federal Medical Center for prisoners. On the commercial side, SGF partners with American, Delta, United, and Allegiant. These airlines provide access to 13 nonstop destinations, including Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta.Weiler recounts,“We have about 25 daily flights, and then Allegiant does less than daily service to seven leisure destinations coast to coast, from LA all the way to Florida.” ADDRESSING WORKFORCE CHALLENGES One of the most pressing issues in the aviation industry today is the shortage of skilled workers, particularly pilots and mechanics. SGF is helping to address this challenge through partnerships and educational initiatives.“We were successful in 2017, working with Ozark Technical Community College (OTC) to start a fledgling flight school,” says Weiler. Starting out with three aircraft and twenty students, the flight school has steadily grown to include ten aircraft and an enrollment of over 80. The partnership has grown to include a specialized aviation high school program called Fly SPS, in collaboration with Springfield Public Schools. The program offers hands-on exposure to all aspects of aviation, from air traffic control to aircraft maintenance, laying the groundwork for future careers in the industry. “That’s a really exciting program for us,” Weiler adds. Recently SGF collaborated with American Airlines 335 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09 SPRINGFIELD-BRANSON NATIONAL AIRPORT
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