Photo Credit: Tallahassee Democrat
Tallahassee Regional Airport will officially become Tallahassee International Airport on Monday, June 29.
At the beginning of this year, a transition for the Tallahassee Airport to adopt an international designation was approved by city commissioners.
Months after its approval, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finally designated the airport as an international destination.
The commissioners and citizens are excited about this new traveling change. City Commissioner Scott Maddox shared his enthusiasm and the importance of the change.
"We are ecstatic to finally have the formal designation as international airport from the Federal Aviation Administration," Maddox said. "It's been a long time coming. Securing the international designation for the airport is a key component in a long-term strategy to enhance economic and business development opportunities here in Tallahassee."
With the airport changing to International, that will make it easier for many of the students here in Tallahassee to travel home.
Ashley Smith, a third-year nursing student at FAMU, believes that the change will make her visits back home more convenient and affordable.
“I am excited to hear this news about the airport becoming international,” Smith said. “I am from Pasadena, California, which is about a 35 hour drive. That made it nearly impossible for me to visit home often. I had to drive to the nearest international airport to fly home for a reasonable price.”
An international designation means that the airport will be renovating and making additions to the facility. Traveling services will also be vastly improved.
Businesses will have the opportunity to take a non-stop flight from overseas into and out of Tallahassee. Chris Curry, director of aviation, believes that the alterations will improve cost and the economy.
“Having the capability to be able to accommodate international traffic will allow the Tallahassee area to compete with other communities looking to attract international business opportunities,” Curry said. “This will also contribute to lowering the overall cost for commercial airlines to operate at the airport.”
With the cost being lowered, that will make the airport more attractive for new carriers to provide service and new designations for current carriers.
The airport will host a celebration ceremony for the new status and unveil a new logo on Monday, June 29 at 10 a.m.