Erie International Airport has been a vital part of our region for decades.

About 27,000 commercial, general aviation and military aircraft take off from Tom Ridge Field every year.

The estimated economic impact of the airport to our region is $250 million a year.

Executive Director of the Erie Regional Airport Authority, Derek Martin said, "The driver of trying to help build a community is an airport."

The commercial jets using the airport have become more crowded.

More than 211,000 passengers using the airport in 2019, an increase of 12%.

Airport managers think convenience and more marketing are reasons driving the increase, along with competitive fares and Charlotte replacing Philadelphia as a destination for American Airlines.

Martin said,"We try to get the word out that the fares are reasonable, the Charlotte service happened. The number of persons using the facility was beneficial."

The airport is trying to make improvements to the terminal to attract even more passengers.

The restaurant-cafe has been re-designed. There's new flooring, and all new furniture.

Soon rental cars will be dropped off in a lot. The existing lane will be used for Uber and Lyft.

Martin said, "We are trying to make the facility more conducive to traveling for all the people coming in and our of the community as well as being efficient and safe."