TSA Screened Record Breaking 2.99 Million Passengers
TSA screened a record-breaking 2.99 million passengers on June 23, highlighting a surge in travel demand. This milestone isn't just a reflection of industry growth; it's a testament to the potential for increased connections and opportunities at our airport.
Billings Boasts Flights to Minneapolis, LA, Chicago for Summer Travel
Craving a summer vacation? Expanded connectivity from airline partners like Delta, United, and American Airlines create new opportunities for travelers to experience destinations across the country. Additionally, it bolsters tourism – one of our regions key industries – to bring visitors to Billings, Southeast Montana, and beyond to experience the beauty of our state in the summer and fall months.
Travelers can consider affordable options to Minneapolis and LA with our partners Sun Country Airlines and Allegiant, who added new flights through the fall.
Travelers on the inaugural flight for Sun Country Airlines were enthusiastically welcomed to Billings with gift bags by BIL staff, Visit Billings, Billings Chamber, and Big Sky Economic Development.
Billings Logan International Airport is Awarded $2 Million in Airport Improvement Funding; Continues Cargo Upgrades to Meet Increased Demand
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) was awarded $2 million by the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for taxiway lighting and construction for a new cargo apron. An airport apron is a paved area where aircraft park, load and unload passengers and cargo, and refuel. Billings was one of 235 airports in 35 states and the District of Columbia that received more than $123 million in combined funding for airfield, safety, and other projects.
This funding bolsters ongoing efforts by BIL – the busiest cargo airport in Montana - to increase cargo capacity, including completing a new cargo ramp for large aircraft this fall. The four existing ramps are at capacity throughout the year and especially during holiday peak season. UPS and FedEx continue to increase their flights and up-size their aircraft, unloading approximately 75 million pounds of freight in 2023 alone.
Visit Billings Wins 2024 Montana Tourism Award for "Marketing Campaign of the Year"
Visit Billings, the destination leadership organization for Montana’s largest city, has won “Marketing Campaign of the Year” at the 2024 Montana Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The award recognized the Outsiders campaign, which celebrates people who embrace pure, unencumbered Montana in all its forms. Rock walls. Mighty rivers. Mountains stretching into big, blue skies. People who crave boldness and authenticity.
The annual Montana Tourism Awards honors the outstanding achievements of the people, businesses, organizations, and communities that strengthen Montana's tourism and recreation industries and thereby contribute to maximizing its economic impact for Montana residents.
The Outsiders campaign was authored by Visit Billings’ creative agency of record, Sunshine & Bourbon, and executed by the media agency of record, Goodway Group. The campaign aligns with the Visit Billings brand, Forge Your Own Path, encouraging visitors to explore without limits. The campaign drove an increase in awareness, measured by website visitation and paid media conversion, as well as traveler visitation, measured by hotel room demand.
“Welcoming and encouraging visitors to embrace Billings’ uniqueness and authenticity in a way that is also personal to them is really what being an Outsider is all about,” said Aly Eggart, Leisure Marketing Director for Visit Billings. “We are thrilled to be recognized by the state for this campaign that embodies the spirit of our destination.”
MORE TO EXPLORE
Billings Hosting Airlines, Montana Airports for Montana Rendezvous
The country’s major airlines and airport leaders from across the state will gather in Billings August 20-21st to enjoy a full agenda of air service development and networking amid Billings hospitality.
BIL, Community Welcomes Jay Richardson as New Air Service Consultant
Billings recently welcomed Jay Richardson as our new air service consultant through national air service development firm Mead and Hunt. This transition comes after Trina Froehlich, our long-time consultant and an instrumental leader for BIL, transitioned from her role at Mead and Hunt.
Jay joined the Mead & Hunt Air Service Consulting team in March of 2024 and will be working closely with Billings to continue increasing air service for Billings and our region. Prior to joining Mead & Hunt, Jay spent over 15 years in various commercial and planning roles with several major airlines, including Revenue Management with US Airways, Network Planning and Strategy with Southwest Airlines, Network Planning and Scheduling with JSX, and Network Planning with Hawaiian Airlines. In addition to his professional background, Jay spent 10 years in the US Navy as a Supply/Logistics Officer, spending most of his time assigned to a US Naval Construction Battalion, otherwise known as the Seabees. Jay holds degrees from Arizona State University, Purdue University, and the University of Notre Dame. Jay lives in Tempe, Arizona, and loves to travel, attend concerts, and be outside whenever possible.
Our Heartfelt Appreciation and Farewell to Mark Evangeline
BIL would like to recognize Mark Evangeline, Airport Facilities Superintendent who will be retiring on July 12, 2024. Mark's plan was to work for the Airport temporarily and was hired as an Airport Maintenance Mechanic in April of 1981 and 43 years later, he has decided it is time to finally retire. Mark is the longest tenured City of Billings Airport employee and has been instrumental in overseeing and directing numerous construction projects throughout his career including the most recent Terminal Expansion and Remodel project. Mark is a very dedicated and loyal employee who knows a lot of history about the Airport, which cannot be replaced. There is a saying with the Airport staff that “If all else fails ask Markopedia,” referring to him as the Airports very own encyclopedia. The BIL staff, City of Billings, and all the BIL tenants will miss Mark immensely. We wish nothing but the best for Mark in his next adventures!
The Billings Air Service Committee is comprised of leadership from Visit Billings, the Billings Chamber of Commerce, Big Sky Economic Development, and the City of Billings, along with businesses and community leaders who are dedicated to supporting Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) and effort to increase air service to the Billings and southeast Montana region.
Big Sky Economic Development, 201 N Broadway, Billings, MT 59101, United States
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