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Toledo Express Airport

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Toledo Express Airport
FAA diagram of Toledo Express Airport
  • IATA: TOL
  • ICAO: KTOL
  • FAA LID: TOL
    TOL is located in Ohio
    TOL
    TOL
    Location of the Airport in Ohio
Summary
Airport typePublic
OwnerToledo-Lucas County Port Authority
ServesToledo, Ohio
LocationSwanton / Monclova townships, Lucas County, Ohio, USA
Elevation AMSL684 ft / 208.5 m
Coordinates41°35′12.5″N 83°48′28.2″W / 41.586806°N 83.807833°W / 41.586806; -83.807833
Websitewww.toledoexpress.com
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
7/25 10,600 3,231 Asphalt
16/34 5,599 1,707 Asphalt

Toledo Express Airport (IATA: TOL, ICAO: KTOL, FAA LID: TOL) is a joint civil-military airport in Swanton and Monclova townships 10 miles (16 km)* to the west of Toledo in western Lucas County, Ohio, United States. The airport opened in 1955 as a replacement to then Toledo Municipal Airport located southeast of Toledo. TOL is near the crossing of State Route 2 and Interstate 80/90 (Ohio Turnpike Exit 52).

TOL is used by passenger and cargo airlines, general aviation, and is home to the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing. The airport is a secondary airport for Detroit Metropolitan - Wayne County Airport and the surrounding region, including as a primary diversion point for aircraft arriving at Detroit Metro Airport. The airport is operated by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority on a lease agreement from the City of Toledo. The airport also serves as headquarters and ground cargo hub for BX Solutions.

In 2012 the airport served 143,383 passengers versus 144,076 in 2011, a 0.9% drop. American Airlines, operated by American Connection carrier Chautauqua Airlines, was the largest airline with 79,619 passengers to Chicago O'Hare. Allegiant Air carried 54,412 passengers to Sanford and St. Petersburg. Direct Air and Vision Airlines were accountable for the remaining passengers to Punta Gorda and Myrtle Beach respectively.[1] Through the first half of 2013, TOL has recorded a 3.6% gain in passengers over 2012 including an 80% increase in passengers by Allegiant Air, which added service to Punta Gorda.[2]

Facilities

Toledo Express Airport covers 2,345 acres (949 ha) and has two runways:

  • Runway 7/25: 10,600 x 150 ft (3,231 x 46 m), Surface: Asphalt
  • Runway 16/34: 5,599 x 150 ft (1,707 x 46 m), Surface: Asphalt

Aircraft use

  • 91 aircraft are based at TOL: 21 military aircraft, 22 single engine and 22 multi engine airplanes, and 26 jet airplanes.
  • In 2008 the airport averaged 149 operations per day: 35% transient general aviation, 24% air taxi, 18% commercial, 14% local general aviation, and 9% military.

Structures

  • 81-acre air ramp on the south side of the airport used for air cargo and also aircraft diversions.
  • 8-gate domestic passenger terminal on the north side of the airfield.
  • Common use air cargo building on the north side of the airfield by the terminal used by DHL.

Passenger services

Terminal

Toledo Express has one passenger terminal with 8 gates of which only three (Gates 3, 4, and 5), all in the central part of the terminal, are in regular use. The terminal features an east wing that comprises one upper level gate (Gate 2) and two lower level gates (Gates 1 and 1A), which also feature covered boarding. Gate 1A is configured to accommodate two regional aircraft at a time with covered boarding ramps. The oldest part of the terminal is the western wing, which comprises Gates 6 and 7; these are no longer used. During the terminal upgrades that introduced a new gate area for Gate 4 and a brand new Gate 5, the original Gate 5 was renumbered to Gate 6. Previous Gate 6 is inoperative and no longer has a jetbridge attached to it; Gate 7 remains a stairwell to ramp-level boarding.

The terminal is mostly original from the 1950s, but several upgrades have taken place. This includes the remodeling and construction of the east wing as well as the new central gate area. Additional plans to rebuild the ticketing lobby and baggage claim areas have not progressed due to the downturn in passenger traffic at the airport since 2001.

Terminal features

The terminal has two levels with the passenger waiting area, beyond security, on the upper level. In that area the passengers have access to a food court and bar on the second level. There is also a children's play area. Prior to security there is a gift shop near the front entrances of the terminal near the airline ticket counters. Baggage claim is on the lower level on the east side of the terminal with two baggage carousels. The rental car counters are located between the arrivals waiting area and the baggage claim. Free wireless (Wi-Fi) is available terminal wide.

2013 True Market study results[3]

The Port Authority commissioned a true market study of the Toledo catchment area to determine opportunities for air service development. The study found 510,000 people are within 30 minutes of Toledo Express. The total catchment area encompasses 981,000 residents. The actual passengers per day each way for the Toledo market is 3,241, of which TOL only captures 5.7%. Detroit Metro captures the most of 64.3%, with the remaining traveling to other airports in Cleveland and Columbus. There are also 372 international passengers per day, of which Toledo captures only 2.8%.

Delta Air Lines is the largest airline in the Toledo market area, capturing 44% of the traffic, United Airlines is second with 12.4%, and American Airlines (the only legacy airline serving TOL directly) with 10.3%.

Top Markets according to the report

  1. Orlando (MCO) / Sanford (SFB) is the largest market with 259 daily passengers with only 36 retained, or 13.9% of the market.
  2. Miami (MIA) / Fort Lauderdale (FLL) / West Palm Beach (PBI) came in second with 206 daily passengers and only 3 retained.
  3. Las Vegas (LAS) was third with 197 daily passengers and only 1 passenger retained each day.
  4. Chicago (ORD / MDW) has 174 daily passengers and had 28 passengers retained each day for 16% of the market.
  5. Tampa (TPA) / St. Petersburg (PIE) produced 152 daily passengers with 41 of those retained or 27% of the market.
  6. Phoenix (PHX)
  7. Fort Myers (RSW) / Punta Gorda (PGD)
  8. New York City (LGA/JFK) / Newark (EWR)
  9. Los Angeles (LAX) / Burbank (BUR) / Ontario (ONT) / Orange County (SNA)
  10. Washington DC (DCA / IAD) / Baltimore (BWI)

Airlines and destinations

Scheduled

AirlinesDestinations
Allegiant Air Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Orlando/Sanford, St. Petersburg/Clearwater
Seasonal: Myrtle Beach (begins June 3, 2016)[4]
American Eagle Chicago–O'Hare

Charter

Charter airlines currently provide service to Atlantic City, Laughlin/Bullhead City and Tunica.

Cargo

AirlinesDestinations
Sierra West Airlines Various on-demand destinations with Toledo-based aircraft.[5]

Ground transportation

Taxi and shuttle service

Taxi service at the airport is currently contracted to A1 Accurate Limousine and Airport Service. While other taxi operators are available in Toledo, none are currently able to stage at the airport.

Car rental companies

Toledo Express is currently served by Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Parking lots

The airport offers two parking lots: short term and long term. Both are located on the north side of the airport and offer covered walkways to the passenger terminal. The parking lot is operated by Republic Parking Systems and it is also a partner of the Thanks Again rewards program.

Government and military operations

The airport is also home to Toledo Air National Guard Base and the 180th Fighter Wing (180 FW), an Air Combat Command (ACC)-gained unit of the Ohio Air National Guard.

Toledo ANGB consists of a Federal enclave of 135.4 acres (0.548 km2) leased by the Department of Defense for the State of Ohio and the Ohio Air National Guard, housing combat-ready F-16C Fighting Falcon jet fighters and associated Air National Guard support units. Physical facilities consist of 3 administrative, 13 industrial and 7 services building (including hangar facilities), totaling nearly 322,000 square feet.

There are 21 military aircraft based at TOL, supported by 290 full-time Air Reserve Technician (ART) and Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) personnel. Over 600 additional part-time Traditional Air National Guardsmen round out the balance of the 180 FW, capable of deploying worldwide to meet Air Force and combatant commander requirements as part of the Air Reserve Component of the U.S. Air Force. Concurrently, the 180 FW also provides traditional National Guard state support roles in the event of local and state emergencies to the Governor of Ohio.

Airport based businesses and organizations

Fixed-Base operators

  • Grand Aire operates as a fixed-based operator on the northwest side of the airport.
  • National Flight Services operates as a fixed-based operator on the north side of the airport, and also as an engine overhaul and aircraft maintenance facility.
  • TOL Aviation operates as a fixed-based operator on the north side of the airport.

Aerospace companies

  • Toledo Jet Center is a business jet maintenance and avionics services company that specializes in the Cessna Citation aircraft series.
  • BD Aero Works is an aircraft charter and maintenance provider.
  • Quick Flight is an airline services company offer handling services at over 30 airports across the country for both above- and below-wing services. The company's headquarters is located just west of the airport in Swanton.

Corporate hangars

  • Toledo Express is used for several Toledo area companies as a base for their corporate aircraft. These companies include Owens-Illinois and Owens-Corning.
  • Promedica Air houses its air ambulances at Toledo Express.

Toledo Lucas County Port Authority

  • Toledo/Lucas County Port Authority President – Paul Toth
  • Airport Manager – Stephen Arnold
  • Manager of Airport Administration – Linda Friend
  • Receptionist/Administrative Secretary – Joyce Amborski
  • Operations Specialist – Dan Spaugy
  • Operations Specialist – Kyle Garris

Education

Cargo Development Zone and Joint Economic Development District

In 2013, the Port Authority backed a plan collect income tax from businesses and employees on property at the airport owned by the Port Authority and other entities that sign on to the agreement.[6] The income tax would be distributed to an airport fund in addition to the participating communities of the city of Toledo and Monclova and Swanton Townships. The airport fund would take 55% of the first $500,000, 52.5% of the next $250,000, and declining from there. If revenues are over $1.5 million, the airport would see roughly 24.12% according to reports. A Port Authority Airport Committee meeting also stated that the City of Toledo's share would also be redirected back to the airport fund boosting revenues.[7]

The Cargo Development Zone is an area on the south side of the airport to the south of Runway 7–25, west of Runway 16–34, and north of US-20A. The site features onsite customers and a foreign trade zone. The development area will also provide access to the 78-acre air cargo ramp.

History

  • Efforts to build a modern airport started shortly after World War II, when civic leaders realized that Toledo Municipal Airport (today's Toledo Executive Airport) was inadequate to the demands of the coming postwar aviation boom. A number of locations were proposed and discarded until 1952, when a consortium of six major Toledo companies – Libbey-Owens-Ford, Owens-Illinois, Owens-Corning Fiberglas, Champion Spark Plug, Electric Auto-Lite, and Willys-Overland – acquired the site of Toledo Express Airport west of Toledo and sold the land to the city at cost.[8]
  • The airlines moved to the new airport around 1955; the April 1957 OAG shows 13 weekday departures on United, six TWA, six Delta, four Eastern and four Capital.
  • January 8, 1989, American Eagle Airlines started service between Toledo Express and Chicago O'Hare with four daily flights.
  • 1997 is the busiest year in Toledo Express' history. 679,841 fly out of KTOL. Much of the growth is attributed to Air Tran Airways offering low cost flights to Orlando, Florida.[9]
  • March 13, 2012 – Direct Air suspended operations from the airport.[10] The charter carrier was subject to Chapter 7 liquidation on April 12, 2012.[11]
  • December 5, 2012 – Allegiant Air announces new twice weekly service from Toledo Express and Punta Gorda, FL replacing previous suspended service by Direct Air.[12]
  • December 12, 2012 – Sierra West Airlines signed a 30-year lease to open a new aircraft and crew base at Toledo. The airline will lease a 17,555 sq. ft. hangar formerly used by BD Aeroworks.[5]

Burlington Air Express / BAX global hub

Toledo Express served as the main North American hub for DB Schenker, who acquired BAX Global, an international air cargo company, from 1993 until September 2011. DB Schenker leased a 300,000-square-foot (30,000 m2) warehouse facility with direct access to the runways at Toledo Express. They operated approximately 20 flights on average (with a peak of 42) per night from across the United States. Toledo Express was the 22nd busiest cargo hub in North America in 2009 with 241,472 tons handled.[13] The facility is now home to the headquarters of BX Solutions, a ground logistics and shipping company started up by former BAX Global employees with plans to re-establish the former domestic BAX Global ground and eventually air networks.[14]

Accidents and Incidents

  • On October 29, 1960, a chartered plane carrying the Cal Poly football team, hours after a loss to Bowling Green State University, crashed on takeoff at the Toledo Express Airport. Eighteen of the forty-eight people on board were killed, including sixteen players, the team's student manager, and a Cal Poly football booster.
  • In the early morning hours of February 15, 1992 an Air Transport International DC-8-63F (tail number N794AL), operating for Burlington Air Express as Flight 805, crashed 3 miles north of the runway into a wheat field just after executing its second missed approach. All four crew members perished and the aircraft, carrying mostly computer parts was completely destroyed. The cause of the crash is listed as "spatial disorientation" by the captain.[15]
  • December 15, 2006 – Security heightened when Toledo Express Airport noted there was a bomb threat. A note that was found in the commuter aircraft simply put it as 'bomb' and that was enough for the airport to take the necessary precautions. They later learned there was no explosives on board of the aircraft.
  • January 12, 2007 – A bomb threat was called to 911 on a cell phone that American Eagle Flight 4359 flying out of the Toledo Express Airport had a bomb on board. This caused Toledo officials to heighten security at the airport. The plane had pushed away from the terminal and was getting ready to take off for Chicago-O'Hare when the 911 call was made at around 10:30 a.m. The plane had 30 passengers and three crew members on board, and no injuries were reported. The plane had sat isolated on a runway for about an hour before the fire trucks and other vehicles approached. The FBI and city fire officials did not know whether the caller was the one making the threat. The FBI are continuing to determine who sent the call in, but they also determined later in the day that the bomb threat was a hoax. American Eagle is a regional service for American Airlines.[16]
  • January 16, 2007 – A second bomb threat within four days at the Toledo Express Airport had been declared another hoax. The bomb threat was sent through e-mail to the airport.

Northeast Blackout of 2003 and Other Notable Diversions

During the afternoon of August 14, 2003, Toledo Express served as a primary diversion point for Detroit Metro and Northwest Airlines. During that time Toledo accepted 6 DC-9-30s, 4 Saab 340s and 2 CRJ-200s. Passengers were deplaned and bused to Detroit for the remainder of their trip. The aircraft remained in Toledo until power was restored.

During the time when Northwest maintained the hub at Detroit Metro, Toledo Express served as the primary diversion point for inbound aircraft including international arrivals. The airport has accepted, on numerous occasions, the diversions of 747s, DC-10s, DC-9s, and A320s.

Toledo Express has also accepted diversions for other airports in the regional including both Chicago O'Hare and Midway if a suitable alternative isn't available closer. During a significant fog event in 2004 that caused ground stops in the Chicago area, American Eagle diverted 4 ERJ-145s to Toledo and ATA (American Trans Air) diverted a Boeing 757-200 operating from Washington National to Midway.

Failed Commercial Start Up Attempts

Toledo has had a few air service announcements made that never materialized or were dropped prior to being operated.

Airline Destination(s) Planned Aircraft Targeted Start
Air Georgian (dba Air Canada) Toronto Beech 1900 August 10, 2000
Direct Air (commuter) Chicago Midway Fairchild Metro III 1995
JetAmerica (Air Azul) Melbourne, Fla; Minneapolis; Newark Boeing 737-800 August 14, 2009

Previous Passenger Air Service history

Since opening in 1955, Toledo Express Airport has served many airlines over the course of history. Airline service prior to 1955 was operated from present day Toledo Executive Airport formerly known as Toledo Municipal Airport and Toledo Metcalf Airport.

Airline Destination(s) Aircraft Scheduled Service Date(s) Comments
Air Florida New York JFK, Tampa, Washington National Boeing 737-200, DC-9-10 JFK: 6/14/79-9/5/79, DCA: 10/26/79-9/30/1982, TPA: 02/1980-9/30/1982 [17]
AirTran Airways Atlanta, Dayton, Orlando Boeing 737-200, DC-9-30, Boeing 717-200 11/14/1996-2/28/1998, 10/3/2000-4/29/2002
Air Wisconsin Akron-Canton, Chicago O'Hare, Cleveland, Columbus, Flint, Fort Wayne, Kalamazoo, Pittsburgh, South Bend BAe 146, BAe ATP, Dash 8–300, Dash 7, Metro III ?-02/03/1993 Original and operating as United Express.
Allegiant Air* Las Vegas MD-80 12/15/2005-4/24/2006
America West Express Columbus, Flint Beech 1900 Operated by Mesa dba Superior Airlines
American Eagle* Dallas/Fort Worth ERJ-145 Operated by Simmons Airlines (now American Eagle Airlines) and Chautauqua Airlines (dba AmericanConnection until name change to American Eagle)
Atlantic Coast Airlines Cincinnati Dornier 328JET dba Delta Connection
Atlantic Southeast Airlines Atlanta, Cincinnati ATR 72, CRJ-200, CRJ-700 dba Delta Connection
Beaver Aviation / BAS Airlines[18] Beaver Falls (PA), Detroit City, Youngstown Piper Navajo Early 1980s
Capital Airlines Akron, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia[19] Viscount, DC-3, DC-4 1/8/1948-05-31-1961 * Merged with United. * At the time, 14 flights at startup was the most ever for a new city.[20]
Chicago Express Airlines Chicago Midway, South Bend Jetstream 31, Saab 340 1993–1995, 6/28/2002-1/4/2005 Original and returned as ATA Connection
Chicago and Southern Airlines Deroit, Fort Wayne Merged with Delta
Comair Atlanta, Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis Piper Chieftain, Piper Navajo, EMB-110, Saab 340, EMB-120, Metro III, CRJ-100, CRJ-200, CRJ-700 1979, 01/03/1981-? Original and as Delta Connection
Continental Express Cleveland EMB-120, Beech 1900, Dash-8-200
Delta Air Lines Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dayton, Detroit, Fort Wayne Convair 440, Boeing 727-200, Boeing 737-300, MD-88, DC-9-30
Eastern Airlines Columbus Constellation L-1049G, Locheed Electra, Boeing 727-100, Boeing 727-200, DC-9-30, DC-9-50
Frontier Airlines mk 1 Denver, Detroit Boeing 737-200, MD-80
Liberty Airlines Chicago Midway & O'Hare Convair 440 02/1982-5/16/1983 Plans for CMH, CLE, STL, BUF, & EWR scrapped.[21] Also flew CAK-ORD
Midway Connection Chicago Midway EMB-120, Dornier 228
Mesaba Aviation Detroit, Youngstown Dash 8–200, Fokker 27, Metro III, Saab 340 Original and dba Northwest Airlink
Piedmont Airlines Dayton Boeing 727-200, Boeing 737-200 Merged with USAir
TransMeridian Airlines Las Vegas, Sanford/Orlando Boeing 757-200, Boeing 727-200, MD-80 Filed for Bankruptcy
Trans Midwest Airlines[18] Columbus,[22] Dayton, Detroit Metro, Lima Piper Navajo 1983–1985
Trans World Airlines St. Louis Boeing 727-100, DC-9, Martin 404
United Airlines Chicago O'Hare, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Fort Wayne, Newark, Peoria, Saginaw, Washington National, Youngstown DC-8 series 21, Boeing 727–122, 727–222, Boeing 737–222,Caravelle, Boeing 720, Convair 340, DC-6B
US Airways (USAir/Allegheny) Pittsburgh Convair 580, Boeing 727-200, MD-80, Boeing 737-200/300/400, DC-9-30, BAe 1–11, Fokker 100, Fokker 28
US Airways Express Dayton, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh Metro III, Jetstream 31, Saab 340, Dash 8-100/200, ERJ 145, Dornier 328 Operated by Trans States Airlines, Jetstream Int'l / PSA Airlines, Allegheny Airlines, Chautauqua Airlines, Shuttle America
Vision Airlines Myrtle Beach Boeing 737-400 6/1 – June 29, 2012
  • *Carrier continues to serve other destinations.
  • Referenced New Articles:,[23][24]

References

  1. ^ http://forum.flytol.com/showthread.php?tid=260
  2. ^ http://www.flytol.com/?p=70
  3. ^ http://www.flytol.com/?p=46
  4. ^ https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/allegiant-unveils-22-new-routes-422834/
  5. ^ a b http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/12/21/California-charter-company-already-flies-to-Toledo-Express-leases-hangar-at-airport.html
  6. ^ http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2013/03/01/Port-board-backs-plan-to-tax-income-in-airport-zone.html
  7. ^ http://forum.flytol.com/showthread.php?tid=691
  8. ^ http://www.toledohistorybox.com/2011/07/29/toledo-express-airport-history-part1/
  9. ^ "Toledo airport traffic dips to 44-year low". USA Today. January 18, 2009.
  10. ^ SC-Based Charter Airline Cancels Flights, Associated Press, March 13, 2012
  11. ^ Heath, Dan (April 12, 2012). "Direct Air bankruptcy goes to Chapter 7". Plattsburgh Press-Republican. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  12. ^ http://www.toledoportauthority.org/MediaRoom/RecentNews/News/tabid/290/ArticleID/135/Allegiant-to-Begin-Nonstop-Low-Cost-Service-Between-Punta-Gorda-and-Toledo-Express-Introductory-One-Way-Fares-Starting-at-89-99.aspx
  13. ^ Airports Council International. http://www.aci-na.org/stats/stats_traffic Airport Traffic Reports], www.aci-na.org
  14. ^ http://www.toledofreepress.com/tag/bx-solutions/
  15. ^ "AirDisaster.Com Accident Database".
  16. ^ "WTVG Toledo – Bomb scare at Toledo Express". Retrieved January 12, 2007.
  17. ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19790827&id=LDFPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jAIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4372,5088832
  18. ^ a b https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19831015&id=5k5PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tgIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3536,7954296
  19. ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19480106&id=KfApAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_v8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5097,3830864
  20. ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KfApAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_v8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5097,3830864&dq=toledo+and+capital+airlines&hl=en
  21. ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Nz9PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rgIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5791,5481855&dq=toledo+and+capital+airlines+and+aircraft&hl=en
  22. ^ http://www.departedflights.com/CMH85intro.html
  23. ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W60zAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9AIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2895,7846073&dq=toledo+and+liberty+airlines&hl=en
  24. ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JiYxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9wAEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6899,6853663&dq=toledo+and+capital+airlines&hl=en
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