For smaller airports across the state, trying to get more destinations and new passengers has been a challenge over the past couple of years. Airports like the ones in Binghamton and Ithaca continue to fight for relevancy as larger airports increase services.
But with flights to Orlando now easier than ever for those in the Southern Tier, Binghamton has seemingly found some success.
When Avelo Air first touched down in Binghamton in November, it brought hope to an airport that hadn’t seen a new flight in 20 years. Seven months later, it’s still common to find flights to and from Orlando International for under $100, and sometimes for as low as $59.
For Mark Heefner, commissioner of the Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM), it’s an exciting time.
“Just seeing the smile on people's faces and understanding that that kind of flight operation, while not everyone uses it, brings that quality of life straight to Broome County. And it's so successful,” Heefner said.
So successful, in fact, that flights between Binghamton and Orlando ranked fifth in ticket bookings, compared to Avelo flights all around the country. But the new airline isn't the only good news for Heefner.
“This canopy is going to be part of the demo,” he said.
Bids are set to go out in July for a massive, multi-million-dollar renovation that’ll modernize the airport and completely change its look for flyers. This new life has allowed BGM to grow in 2023.
"Our employment numbers have jumped in a drastic way," Heefner said. "Our parking lot is a heck of a lot fuller, and there are people just in and out here. And the coolest part about it is, our team gets to interact with them pretty exclusively."
BGM isn’t only adapting for passangers.
"This is where the pilot starts. Essentially, this is the cash register you could call it," Heefner said.
The airport purchased a self-serve Avgas System, allowing small engine pilots to land in Binghamton to fill up. A service like this saves time, and draws a whole new group to the airport.
"It's not about making tons of money," said Peter Lo Piccolo, deputy commissioner of the airport. "It's about pushing more operations, inviting more general aviation aircraft to the airport and just giving more interest to Binghamton on that end of the aviation industry."
Whether it’s more passengers or more pilots, BGM is seeing more life than ever before, and it’s hard for Heefner to not look forward to the future.
“It’s incredible,” he said.