Project Overview

The Elizabethtown Airport Board (EAB), in response to numerous inquiries and in recognition of the substantial growth that is occurring throughout Central Kentucky, has embarked on a project to restore passenger airline service at the Elizabethtown Regional Airport.

The Elizabethtown Airport Board (EAB) retained Louisville-based consultant Luke Schmidt of L.B. Schmidt & Associates, LLC (LBS&A), to lead the project. The project covers the following areas:

  • Market Feasibility Study
  • Regional Outreach
  • Airline Recruitment
  • Airport Infrastructure Issues
  • Passenger Recruitment

Elizabethtown Regional Air Service Market

  • The regional air service market includes a 24 county area with a population of 610,000 and Fort Knox. The large U.S. Army Post is the single largest user of commercial airline service in this region and is slated for major expansion and a net increase of 7,600 jobs by 2012.
  • Each of these counties is closer in driving time and distance to the Elizabethtown Regional Airport than to any of the surrounding commercial airports.
  • Two metropolitan statistical areas--Elizabethtown and Bowling Green--are contained within the market.
  • The core of the market--the Elizabethtown/Fort Knox corridor-- has a population of 65,000 people and is the fourth largest urban area in Kentucky.
  • Elizabethtown serves as a regional center for education, employment, health care, shopping, and transportation
  • A potential annual enplanement market of 350,214 passengers exists in this region.
  • When ground transportation costs, such as mileage to and from the airport and parking are factored in, Elizabethtown Regional Airport will provide a cost effective alternative for the region's air travelers.
jet preparing for take-off on runway

Significant savings are available to regional businesses, industries, colleges, and universities if commercial airline service returns to Elizabethtown.

For Fort Knox, with its planned growth due to BRAC, having a new commercial airport just 14 miles away will make it much easier for the military installation to complete its missions on a more cost and time efficient basis. Fort Knox is by far the largest user of commercial airline service in the region.

The EAB recognizes that the following parameters must be met in order for this effort to be successful:

  • Attract a regional airline that is aligned with a major carrier.
  • Develop service to a major connecting hub to provide one-stop access from the region to all major North American destinations, along with significant international connections.
  • Develop service using regional jet aircraft.
  • Develop service that offers competitive airfares.

There are many reasons for travelers to consider using the Elizabethtown Regional Airport. First is convenience. Shorter driving times. Free parking at the door. Check in for flights and processing through security will be fast and efficient.

Benefits of Regional Airline Service to Central Kentucky

There are many benefits to restoring commercial airline service, not only to Elizabethtown, Fort Knox, and Hardin County, but also the entire 24-county region. These benefits include:

  • Cities such as Bowling Green, Glasgow, Campbellsville, Lebanon, Leitchfield, Morgantown, etc., will have new commercial airline service an hour away.
  • Convenient free parking at the door with quick flight check-in and short security lines will expedite travel.
  • Improved accessibility – the region will be further connected to the global economy with improved accessibility due to one-stop jet service to hundreds of destinations.
  • The region will have a new economic development tool that will assist in creating thousands of new jobs.

Elizabethtown Regional Airport

Elizabethtown Regional Airport is one of the most modern airports in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is “regional jet-ready” with a 6,000- foot-long runway. An Instrument Landing System (ILS) (localizer) has been installed and has improved the airport’s all-weather capability. In addition to the localizer, a glide slope is also slated for installation. From a safety standpoint, the city’s main fire station is on airport property. The EAB is prepared to quickly develop a passenger terminal should the appropriate commitment for service be received from an airline.

Regional Support

The Elizabethtown Airport Board is committed to moving forward on this project and restoring commercial airline service. Significant regional support for the project has been established. Luke Schmidt continues to conduct briefings for regional leaders. The EAB is soliciting support (non-financial) through resolutions and/or letters of support from the following groups:

  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Industrial Development Boards
  • City Councils
  • County Fiscal Courts
  • Additional Key Entities

So far, leadership groups in 22 of the 24 counties have been contacted and 72 formal resolutions of support have been passed and over 140 letters of support have already been received from regional elected officials, business and industry leaders, and individuals, with many more expected.

picture of airplane at EKX airport

Fort Knox has indicated its support for the project through a letter from the Garrison Commander. Congressman Ron Lewis has also issued a letter of support for the project. A complete list of the government jurisdictions, chamber boards, and industrial development boards that have passed formal resolutions can be found on the Partnership for Central Kentucky Airline Service, along with a list of companies and individuals who have sent letters of support.

picture of blue passenger jet flying overhead

Airline Recruitment

Efforts will began in mid-2007 to begin recruiting an airline to EKX. The process is expected to take several months and will involve outreach to target airlines through meetings and management presentations.