‘Press Releases’ Category

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2023 was a year of growth and change for MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., with the appointment of new leadership, the opening of a terminal expansion, the completion of a new Taxiway project and construction underway on additional terminal modifications that will benefit tenants and leisure air travel. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport expects to see continued expansion and growth throughout 2024.

This past year saw a transition in leadership as Darren James was officially named Airport Director in November, after serving as interim in the position since August 2023. James has more than three decades of leadership experience in global aviation operations and National Security, including serving a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. He played a key role in the growth experienced in 2023 by overseeing management, development, planning and community relations for the airport, as well as directing projects related to service expansion, tenant relations, business and land use development. Jennifer Hogancamp was also named Assistant Airport Director, bringing more than two decades of airport management leadership experience. She works to plan, organize, and direct the day-to-day activities of all maintenance, operations, and public safety functions of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

The airport houses several major tenants and offers nonstop flights year-round or on a seasonal basis to a variety of popular destinations served by Allegiant, including Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Orlando/Sanford, Sarasota/Bradenton, Savannah, and Tampa Bay/St. Pete. Out of these destinations, the most popular for leisure travelers remain Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Tampa Bay/St. Pete and Orlando/Sanford. Numbers released in summer 2023 by the Federal Aviation Administration show that passenger enplanement growth continued, totaling 162,819 in 2022, which is a slight increase over the prior year. It also represents a 5.8% increase over 2019, the last full calendar year prior to the pandemic.

In June of 2023, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport completed work on a $34 million terminal expansion project and opened it for use. The 42,000-square-foot expansion nearly doubled the size of the existing terminal to accommodate future passenger growth and includes a variety of amenities that will enhance the experience for those traveling through MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Project highlights include two new boarding bridges, a standard TSA screening area, an animal relief area, family restrooms, a nursing room, water bottle filling stations, a storm shelter and an expanded departure lounge with added room for concessions. ADA-compliant renovations were incorporated to accommodate people with disabilities and include recessed fixtures, a larger elevator, visual paging and accessible seating.

Construction continued on phase three of the terminal project, including additional renovations to the existing terminal and enhancements to the curbside drop off area outside the terminal. Phase four of the terminal expansion program will add a new General Aviation Facility for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and, eventually, a new Federal Inspection Station. The new addition will allow the airport to process international commercial flights, in addition to general aviation activity, and attract additional aircraft and airlines. Construction is expected to be underway in the spring of 2024.

“These expansion projects are significant as we look to enhance the traveler experience and grow the number of passengers flying out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, while simultaneously working to increase the number of destinations and flights available for our leisure travelers in the future,” said James.

The terminal expansion project is not the only improvement project happening at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. A $37.7 million investment to add nearly 3,100 linear feet of new Taxiway Lima pavement and a new Taxiway Bridge over Crooked Creek was completed in the summer of 2023. The project will provide airfield access to a future aviation business park on the south side of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, which will be anchored by Boeing’s new $200 million, 300,000-square-foot production facility that is nearing completion. Boeing, which is a longtime tenant, will use the new production facility to build the MQ-25 Stingray, the Navy’s first operational, carrier-based unmanned aircraft. Scheduled for completion in 2024, the Boeing facility initially will initially employ approximately 150 mechanics, engineers and support staff.

In another exciting move, ground was broken in the fall of 2023 on a new $97 million, 5.2-mile MetroLink extension from the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center in Shiloh, Ill., to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Once complete, the extension will make the airport even more accessible to potential customers along the light rail alignment and provide a direct connection to St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The project includes a new MetroLink station to be constructed across from the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport terminal and a 2.4-mile frontage road built near the airport. Construction is currently underway, with a targeted completion date of early 2026.

“We are excited for all the growth and development happening at and around MidAmerica St. Louis Airport,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern. “The facility accounts for 23,442 jobs between operations at the airport, Scott Air Force Base and the various tenants onsite and is a $3.1 billion economic engine for the bi-state St. Louis region. Completed developments and expansions currently underway at the airport will provide additional economic benefits to the region as the airport continues to fill an important niche in the St. Louis region’s robust aviation scene.”

To learn more about MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, visit flymidamerica.com.

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About MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to a variety of popular destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64. With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has a manufacturing facility at the airport and North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

CONTACT:

Julie Hauser

314-436-9090 (0)

314-629-3887 (c)

Transformation Site Chosen Out of Dozens of Nominations

ST. LOUIS (JAN. 30, 2024) … Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP in St. Louis are pleased to announce that the MetroBus stop located at 13th St. and Gravois Ave. near Soulard in the City of St. Louis has been selected as the site for the next “Transit Stop Transformation Project.” It will be transformed into an active, engaging corridor with vibrant colors, seating, shading, green space and more. Transit riders, residents, elected officials and other stakeholders are encouraged to weigh in on the changes they would like to see at the site by completing an online survey at www.cmt-stl.org by Feb. 19.

The MetroBus stop at 13th St. and Gravois Ave. was selected out of 44 nominations received through the “Build a Better Bus Campaign” launched in early October, inviting people from around the region to nominate a bus stop within the St. Louis City limits for revitalization. A selection committee featuring representatives from Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP in St. Lous, the City of St. Louis, and St. Louis REALTORS® chose the MetroBus stop based on various metrics that include assessment of the space and the availability of community partners that could help bring the transformation to life. Public input will play a key role in determining what design concepts will be incorporated into the bus stop. Once initial input is received from residents, design concepts will be created, and residents will be able to weigh in one more time before the design is finalized and construction begins. The project is expected to be completed by January 2025.

“We are excited to be moving forward on the MetroBus stop at 13th and Gravois in the City of St. Louis,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Out of the nominations received, partners felt this stop offered the greatest opportunity for change and an opportunity to provide a template for other stops. We look forward to bringing this project to life.”

Similar transformations have been completed at a MetroBus Stop in Maplewood, the Emerson Park and 5th & Missouri Transit Centers in East St. Louis, the Belleville Transit Center in Belleville, and the North Hanley Transit Center in North St. Louis County. Construction is also underway for the transformation at the Fairview Heights Transit Center. The goal of all “Transit Stop Transformation Projects” is to transform places that people typically pass through on their way to their next destination into community amenities that improve safety and security, build ridership and increase engagement around transit. Each showcases a deep understanding of and commitment to equitable development around transit, the impact and possibility of play, the ability for creative interventions to produce long-term impact in neighborhoods accessible for residents of all ages, and the need for collaboration to succeed.

To learn more about the “Transit Stop Transformation Projects” visit www.cmt-stl.org.

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.

Portraits of MidAmerica/St. Louis Airport Director Darren James at MAA on Thursday January 4, 2024.
Photo by Tim Vizer for MAA

The St. Clair County Public Building Commission (PBC), which oversees the operations at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) in Mascoutah, Ill., has announced that Darren James has officially been named Airport Director after serving as interim in the position since August 23. In the wake of his promotion, the PBC also announced that Jennifer Hogancamp has been hired to serve as Assistant Airport Director, a position previously held by James. The two will work together to continue to grow the airport’s passenger and cargo operations.

James has been with MidAmerica St. Louis Airport since 2022, serving as Assistant Airport Director before being promoted to interim Airport Director when former director Bryan Johnson resigned to take a position as executive director of Johnson County Airport Commission in Johnson County, Kansas. James brings to the position of director more than three decades of leadership experience in global aviation operations and National Security. In 2020, he completed a distinguished 30-year career in the United States Air Force, where he served in numerous high-level positions and retired as a one-star General. In his role as director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, James is responsible for management, development, planning and community relations for the airport and will direct projects related to air service expansion, tenant relations, business and land use development. Over the past three months, he has overseen continued improvements to the existing terminal in the wake of the June completion of the $34 million terminal expansion project, while also working with the team responsible for final work on the new Taxiway Lima project that will serve Boeing’s new MQ25 production facility currently under construction.

Portraits of MidAmerica/St. Louis Airport Assistant Director Jennifer Hogancamp at MAA on Thursday January 4, 2024.
Photo by Tim Vizer for MAA

As part of the transition in leadership, Jennifer Hogancamp has been hired as Assistant Airport Director, bringing more than two decades of airport management leadership experience to her new position. Before joining MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, she most recently served as director of airports for Mobile Airport Authority, where she was responsible for directing and overseeing the day-to-day operations and development of three airports and an industrial complex in Alabama. Her experience also includes managing the day-to-day terminal operations and serving over 36 million passengers annually during her time as airport operations manager at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), as well as serving in various leadership roles at three different airports across Texas over a span of 14 years. In her new role as Assistant Airport Director, Hogancamp will work closely with James to plan, organize, and direct the day-to-day activities of all maintenance, operations, and public safety functions of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

“We are excited to officially name Darren as Airport Director and welcome Jennifer as Assistant Airport Director,” said St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern. “Darren has shown great leadership since taking over as interim director three months ago, and we are confident he is the best person to lead the airport as it continues to evolve. Jennifer’s impressive background makes her a perfect fit as Assistant Airport Director, and we look forward to watching her excel in her new role.”

James received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Engineering. He also holds three master’s degrees: a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air University, a Master of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy and Policy from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Hogancamp graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. She is also a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

For additional details about MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, visit www.flymidamerica.com.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to multiple destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64. With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has an aircraft manufacturing facility at the airport; North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

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Contact:
Pamela Powell
314-436-9090

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Exercise involving a fictional aircraft mishap took place on Sept. 26

A full-scale emergency exercise, featuring approximately 70 first responders and local volunteer actors, was conducted at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Sept. 26, with the goal of testing and improving local emergency response. The exercise took place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and featured multiple agencies and organizations working together to respond to a fictional aircraft mishap. Full-scale emergency exercises of this nature are conducted every three years by MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and other airports to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for FAR Part 139 certification.

The fictional scenario was centered around an aircraft encountering multiple bird strikes during flight and experiencing a hard landing upon return to the airport, leading to simulated structural damage and fire that resulted in several injuries and fatalities. The aircraft, represented by a Scott Air Force Base KC-135, was staged on the runway prior to the start of the exercise. First responders worked quickly to respond to the crash site and rescue the passengers from the fuselage, which in the fictional scenario had fractured upon landing. The fuselage for the rescue portion was actually represented by two buses. Several emergency vehicles worked to put the fictional fire out, and the injured passengers, played by volunteer actors, were treated by first responders. While the exercise was taking place, access to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport was restricted to ensure public safety.

“The full-scale emergency exercise went well, and we appreciate all the local agencies and organizations working together with our team to demonstrate that we have the ability to handle an aircraft emergency,” said Darren James, who serves as Interim Director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and oversaw the exercise. “We obviously never want something like this to happen at the airport, but we need to be ready in case it does. We have mutual aid emergency responders nearby, and they demonstrated during the exercise how to effectively partner with us and help us if an emergency like this does take place.”

Multiple organizations and agencies collaborated during the Sept. 26 exercise and demonstrated timely and succinct communication of critical information, effective coordination between each other and the ability to operate in a cohesive incident command structure. They also properly coordinated transfer of documentation to the correct authorities and accounted for all passengers. Those organizations and agencies that had first responders and volunteers participating in the exercise include MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Scott Air Force Base Fire Department, Mascoutah Emergency Medical Services, MedStar Emergency Medical Services, O’Fallon Fire Department, New Baden Fire Department, St. Clair County Sherriff’s Department, St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency and St Clair County Health Department.

“This tri-annual exercise is very important – not only for MidAmerica St. Louis Airport but for our local emergency response teams as well,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern. “I’m pleased the exercise was a success and am happy we had the opportunity to test our local response efforts to ensure St. Clair County is prepared for any unforeseen incidents of this nature at the airport.”

For more information about MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, visit www.flymidamerica.com.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to multiple destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64. With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has an aircraft manufacturing facility at the airport; North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

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Julie Hauser

PR Counsel

(314) – 436 – 9090 (office) (314) – 629 – 3887 (cell)

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