Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport: Difference between revisions

'''Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport''' {{airport codes|AZO|KAZO|AZO}} is a county-owned public airport {{convert|3|mi}} southeast ofin [[Kalamazoo, Michigan|Kalamazoo]], in [[Kalamazoo County, Michigan|Kalamazoo County]], Michigan, USAUS, {{convert|3|mi}} southeast of Downtown Kalamazoo.<ref name=FAA /> The airport is located approximately {{convert|20|mi}} west of the city of [[Battle Creek, Michigan|Battle Creek]]. It is included in the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) [[National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems]] for 2017–20212023-27, in which it is [[FAA airport categories|categorized]] as a non-hub primary commercial service facility.<ref name="NPIAS Airports">{{cite web|title=List of NPIAS Airports|url=https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/npias/reports/media/NPIAS-Report-2017-2021-Appendix-A.pdf|website=FAA.gov|publisher=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=23 November 2016|date=21 October 2016}}</ref>

The airport has an [[Air traffic control|Airport Traffic Control Tower]] (ATCT) and a Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON).<ref name=FAA /><ref>[http://www.airnav.com/airport/KAZO AirNav: KAZO – Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It has one passenger terminal and five gates. ThreeTwo [[Airline|airlines]] operate flights in and out of AZO.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.azoairport.com/dynamic/arrive.php |title=ArchivedKalamazoo/ copyBattle Creek International Airport (AZO) |website=www.azoairport.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204014311/http://www.azoairport.com/dynamic/arrive.php |archive-date=4 February 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Plans for an airport in Kalamazoo began in 1925. In May 1926, the City of Kalamazoo purchased {{convert|383|acre|km2}} near Portage and Kilgore roads and an airport opened. The first regular air mail service started in July 1928. In February 1929, the field was licensed as the first municipal airport in [[Michigan]].<ref name="autogenerated2">''Kalamazoo Gazette'' August 8, 1989, p. D2</ref> It was named Lindbergh Field in honor of famous aviator [[Charles Lindbergh]].

Airline service came to Kalamazoo in May 1944. Two commuter airlines, [[Francis Airways]] and [[Northern Skyways]], provided service to other Michigan cities, then ceased the flights after two years. From 1946 and 1955, several small airlines offered commuter flights to nearby cities.<ref name="autogenerated2" />

In May 1955, [[North Central Airlines]] began daily service to Detroit, and Chicago. North Central became [[Republic Airlines]], which merged into [[Northwest Airlines]], which in turn merged into [[Delta Air Lines]] – which serves the airport today.<ref name="autogenerated2" />

In 1961, an [[Control tower|airport traffic control tower]] was built and the main runway was extended from 3,900 feet to 5,300. In 1963, an [[instrument landing system]] was installed to help during poor weather. In 1977, the runway was further lengthened to 6,500 feet.<ref name="autogenerated2" />

In 1975, the regional air traffic control facility was moved from Battle Creek to Kalamazoo, and, in 1978, a radar facility was installed. The airport eventually won an award for the safest and most efficient air traffic control system in the Great Lakes region.<ref name="autogenerated2" />

In 1982, the Core Council decided that the City of Kalamazoo should no longer bear the full cost of operating the airport, and, in 1984, the City transferred ownership to the County of Kalamazoo. In 1989, the name was changed from Kalamazoo County Airport to Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International to stimulate economic growth in the Battle Creek area. That year, the county also renovated the terminal, doubling its size and expanding the [[airport apron|ramp]]. Over the next four years, passengers increased from 200,000 to more than 500,000 per annum.<ref>''Kalamazoo Gazette'' December 20, 1989 p. A1</ref>

In 2011, the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport was served by two major airlines who fly passengers to major hubs with worldwide connections. There was also a public charter airline operating twice weekly from Kalamazoo to locations in Florida.<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.azoairport.com/secondary/history.html Kalamazoo/ Battle Creek International Airport (AZO)<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726111433/http://www.azoairport.com/secondary/history.html |date=July 26, 2011 }}</ref>

As of May 2012, the airport was served by two major commercial airlines who fly passengers to three major hubs. The public charter [[Direct Air]] was subject to Chapter 7 liquidation on April 12, 2012, and has since ceased all operations.

In November 2021, [[United Airlines]] announced that it would end service to AZO, effective January 3, 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.woodtv.com/news/kalamazoo-county/united-airlines-to-end-flights-in-and-out-of-kalamazoo-airport/ | title=United Airlines to end flights in and out of Kalamazoo airport | date=November 4, 2021 }}</ref> The departure by United left only [[Delta Air Lines|Delta]] and [[American Airlines|American]] as major airlines with service to Kalamazoo/Battle Creek.

In the 1970s, there were discussions between [[North Central Airlines]] and local city officials about building a new airport to serve Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Since the two airports are close, it was not economical for the airlines to fully serve both of the airports. They proposed a "Major Jetport" in the Kalamazoo area, which might have become the third-busiest commuter airport in the nation. No location could be agreed upon, and no planning was ever completed beyond the preliminary proposals and meetings. Soon after the concept failed, most airline service was shifted to Kalamazoo, as the Kalamazoo airport had more passengers and more demand for flights.<ref>''Kalamazoo Gazette April 14, 1971 p.1</ref>

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport covers {{convert|832|acre|ha|sigfig=3}} at an elevation of {{convert|874|ft|m|sigfig=3}} above [[mean sea level]]. It has three [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]] [[runway]]s: 17/35, {{convert|6,502|x|150|ft|m|abbr=on}}, 05/23, {{convert|3,439|x|100|ft|m|abbr=on}} and 09/27, {{convert|2,800|x|60|ft|m|abbr=on}}.<ref name=FAA />

Present-day taxiways deltaDelta and alphaAlpha were originally runways.<ref>[http://portagemi.com/government/gis_mapping.asp GIS Data at Portage MI website]</ref>

In 2012For the airport12-month hadperiod 45,445ending aircraft operations (down fromDecember 4531,942 in 20112022, 50,697the inairport 2009,had and 8952,502162 inflight 2006),operations. anThis average of 124 per day:included 7982% [[general aviation]], 2118% [[air taxi]], < 1%and [[airline|scheduledCommercial aviation|commercial]], and < 1% [[militaryMilitary aviation|military]]. AtThis thatis time,down therefrom werethe 109historical aircraftaverage annual operations in the 1990s of 101,754. Current based aircraft at thisthe airport include 127 aircraft: 81%92 single-engine and 15 multi-engine [[aircraft engineAirplane|engineairplanes]], 12%as multi-engine,well andas 7%20 [[jetJet aircraft|jetjets]].<ref name=FAA />

In 2007, the threshold of runway 17/35 was moved {{convert|400|ft|m|sigfig=3}} to the south, and taxiway B was closed north of taxiway C. South of runway 09/27, taxiway B was removed and rebuilt {{convert|100|ft|m|sigfig=2}} to the west.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060212050918/http://azoairport.com/dynamic/news/projects.php?page=0 Kalamazoo/ Battle Creek International Airport (AZO)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

Kalamazoo Airport is used by transient and local private pilots flying for personal reasons, business, or recreation. Many local pilots keep their aircraft in the south tee T-hangar complex.

[[Flight training]] is offered through Kal-Aero Flight Instruction.

The [[Western Michigan University]] College of Aviation, founded in 1939, used the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport as a base for its [[flight school]] until 1997. In the early 1990s, the flight school began to outgrow the facilities, and, in 1997, the college moved to Battle Creek's [[W. K. Kellogg Airport]], where all operations are presently housed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wmich.edu/aviation/about.html |title=About &#124; Aviation &#124; Western Michigan University |publisher=Wmich.edu |access-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111051833/http://www.wmich.edu/aviation/about.html |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The WMU aviation unit at Kalamazoo has been used from time to time by the college, but not since May 2006.

In the 1970s, private flight training operations were restricted to two local FBOs: Kal Aero, and Lakala Aviation. The county government received many complaints about unauthorized lessons from private parties. Upon these reports, the county government added to the flight training ordinance that violators could be fined $500, or jailed for 90 days, if found guilty of offering flight lessons illegally.<ref>''Kalamazoo Gazette'' July 1, 1971</ref> This restriction has since been lifted, andbut those providing flight lessonsinstruction canmust behave offeredan byagreement anywith the airport and follow airport rules and partyregulations.

|caption=Destinations from Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport <br /> {{font color | red | Red}} = Year-round destination <br />{{font color | green | Green }} = Seasonal destination

|+ '''Busiest domestic routes from AZO (JuneSeptember 20202023 – MayAugust 20212024)'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO) Summary Statistics|url=http://www.transtats.bts.gov/airports.asp?pn=1&Airport=AZO&Airport_Name=Kalamazoo,%20MI}}</ref>

| 2654,000

| 1932,000

| American, United

| [[Minneapolis−Saint PaulOrlando International Airport|Minneapolis–Saint PaulOrlando, MinnesotaFlorida]]

| 28,000

| DeltaAvelo

The facility competes with airports in nearby communities such as [[South Bend International Airport|South Bend]], [[Gerald R. Ford International Airport|Grand Rapids]], [[Chicago Airport|Chicago]], and [[Detroit Metropolitan Airport|Detroit]]. Furthermore, the airport has used several grants and incentives to attract and retain additional flights and carriers in recent years.

The original Kalamazoo terminal was a small building made with scrap materials left over from other local projects. In 1958, a new terminal was constructed to replace the 1920s terminal. The growth led to a terminal expansion in 1979, and the building increased from 12,000 to {{convert|30000|sqft|m2}}. The terminal was completely renovated in 1989, with the addition of a new concourse, an enlarged boarding area, and a new baggage claim area.

The Kalamazoo Airport's 1958 terminal had two [[Jet bridge|jetways]] and housed the air traffic control tower. A Non-Radar Approach Control, located in Battle Creek and servicing Kalamazoo, was Commissioned in 1969. The [[Air traffic control|air traffic control tower]] provides ATC services between the hours of 6:00–23:00 local time. When the control tower is operational, the airport lies within FAA [[Airspace class (United States)|Class "D" airspace]]. When the approach control is operational, pilots may elect to receive radar services associated within a [[TRSA|Terminal Radar Service Area]] (TRSA). The [[Terminal Control Center]] (TRACON) facility was not established until 1975, and radar was not installed until 1978.

In 2009, construction on a new terminal began next to the existing facility. The new terminal, designed by [[Reynolds, Smith & Hills]], opened in April 2011, and accommodates additional passenger gates, security lanes, and baggage carousels.<ref name="autogenerated1" /><ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web |url=http://www.kalcounty.com/board/meetings/mincow/11-01-05mincow.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112120930/http://www.kalcounty.com/Board/meetings/mincow/11-01-05mincow.pdf |archive-date=November 12, 2006 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="MLiveTerminalOpens">Russon, Gabrielle. [http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/04/officials_celebrate_new_kalama.html Officials celebrate new Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport terminal at ceremony], ''Kalamazoo Gazette'', mlive.com, April 21, 2011, ''retrieved 2011-Apr-27''</ref>

Commonly referred to as the "[[Air Zoo]]", the museum offers many historic aircraft, simulators, a restaurant, and one of the regionsregion's only [[4-D film|4-D theaters]]. The museum is housed in two buildings, and is located on the south section of the field. The museum also has a fly in ramp, making it an attraction for many visiting pilots. In June and October 2011 the Air Zoo opened a new {{convert|50000|ft2|m2}} building connecting it to the main building allowing all the attractions and exhibits to be in one easy to see location. The original building (East Campus) was renovated to house the restoration center.<ref>[http://airzoo.org/zoo_info/ Air Zoo :: General Information :: Admission info, business conference rental, memberships, about Kalamazoo and contact information<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=azo&layer=&ie=UTF8&z=18&ll=42.229669,-85.551921&spn=0.002812,0.004013&t=k&om=1&iwloc=addr Google Maps<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

[[Category:Transportation in Battle Creek, Michigan]]