Marquette, Michigan: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Marquette, Michigan is served by the Marquette Sawyer International Airport, which is located 17 miles from the city. The airport offers daily flights to Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis, and provides access to the outdoor attractions and local businesses of Marquette County. Covering an area of 2,100 acres, the airport features a single asphalt/concrete runway, capable of handling large aircraft, including Boeing 747-8 and 777-200 models. With ongoing renovations and upgrades, the Marquette Sawyer International Airport is committed to enhancing aviation services and contributing to the economic development of the region.

Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport

Marquette, Michigan, is served by the Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport. Covering an area of 2,100 acres, the airport has a single asphalt/concrete runway, which can accommodate aircraft as large as a Boeing 747-8 or a 777-200. The airport had 17,889 aircraft operations in the 12 months leading up to December 31, 2022, averaging 49 aircraft operations per day.

The airport is currently undergoing significant renovations, with $20 million in funds allocated for the project. The project includes a new fire suppression system, expansion of the terminal building, new taxiway asphalt, and security upgrades to accommodate larger commercial aircraft. The air traffic control tower will also be upgraded in 2024, and new aircraft parking spaces will be added. The terminal upgrades will include a new entrance, expanded facilities, and art installations.

The airport received $18 million from the US Department of Transportation in 2020 as part of the CARES Act to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the airport opted to use the funds for rebranding, consulting services, art installations, and hangar renovations, among other initiatives. In addition, the airport received a $2.7 million grant in 2022 from the same department to repair hangars.

The Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport is home to the Marquette County Aviation Wall of Honor, which recognises influential pilots and engineers. Despite public efforts to include renowned aeronautical engineer Kelly Johnson's name in the rebranding, the airport was renamed Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport on March 21, 2023, as part of the $20 million renovation and rebranding initiatives.

Daily flights to/from Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis

Marquette, Michigan is served by the Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MQT), which offers daily flights to and from Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis. Located just 17 miles from Marquette, the airport covers 2,100 acres and features a single asphalt/concrete runway capable of handling large aircraft such as the Boeing 747-8 or 777-200.

The airport is currently undergoing significant renovations, with $20 million allocated for upgrades, including a new fire suppression system, expansion of the terminal building, new taxiway asphalt, and security enhancements to accommodate larger commercial aircraft. These improvements aim to enhance the safety, efficiency, and economic development of the region.

Daily flights to and from Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis provide convenient travel options for passengers. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major aviation hub, offering connections to destinations worldwide. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is another crucial gateway, serving as a hub for Delta Air Lines and offering extensive domestic and international routes. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is also a significant hub, providing connections across the Midwest and beyond.

These daily flights offer passengers from Marquette, Michigan, and the surrounding areas convenient access to domestic and international destinations. With these flight options, passengers can easily connect to other parts of the country or the world, facilitating business, leisure, and personal travel needs. The availability of daily flights to and from these major cities ensures that travellers have a range of choices and flexibility when planning their journeys.

Aircraft operations and renovation

Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport, located in Marquette County, Michigan, covers an area of 2,100 acres. It features a single asphalt/concrete runway, originally redesigned in 1959 to accommodate large aircraft such as the B-52 bombers and KC-135 tankers. The airport is capable of handling various aircraft, including the Boeing 747-8 and 777-200.

For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022, the airport recorded 17,889 aircraft operations, averaging 49 per day. The breakdown of these operations included 56% general aviation, 35% air taxi, 1% scheduled commercial service, and 8% military flights. As of November 2023, 41 aircraft were based at the airport, including 36 single-engine planes, four multi-engine planes, and one jet.

The airport has an industrial park, Telkite Technology Park, adjacent to it, spanning 1,000 acres. This park offers significant tax exemptions for tenants and owners. The airport is also included in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021-2025, categorised as a non-hub primary commercial service facility.

Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport has undergone and continues to undergo several renovations and upgrades. In 2020, the airport received $18 million from the US Department of Transportation as part of the CARES Act. While these funds were intended for COVID-19 relief, the airport allocated them for rebranding, consulting services, art installations, hangar renovations, fire suppression system upgrades, terminal expansion, and the demolition of unused buildings.

Additionally, the airport has plans for further improvements. A total of $20 million in funds have been allocated for projects, including a new fire suppression system, expansion of the terminal building, a new taxiway asphalt, and upgrades to the air traffic control tower. These enhancements aim to accommodate larger commercial aircraft and improve overall operations and security at the airport.

Location and access to Marquette County

Marquette County, Michigan, is located in the state's Upper Peninsula, on the shores of Lake Superior. The region is known for its natural beauty, including waterfalls, rock formations, scenic vistas, and dense forests. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and boating. The county is easily accessible by air, road, and water, making it a popular destination for those seeking adventure and exploration.

By air, Marquette County is served by the Sawyer International Airport, which provides daily flights to and from Detroit Metro and Chicago O'Hare. The airport is located just outside the county and can be accessed by car via M-35 or County Road 480, connecting to M-553 and the north access road, Kelly Johnson Memorial Drive. From there, commercial passenger terminal signs direct visitors to the airport.

By road, Marquette County is easily accessible from various highways and roads. M-553 is a major roadway that runs through the county, connecting it to other parts of Michigan. Additionally, US-41/M-28 is a scenic highway that offers a convenient route to and from the county, providing beautiful views along the way.

The county also offers convenient access to several waterways. Teal Lake in Negaunee is a popular spot for kayaking, boating, and fishing, with a public boat launch and ample shoreline. Lake Superior, one of the Great Lakes, borders Marquette County, providing opportunities for maritime trade and recreational activities like sailing and fishing.

Marquette County also boasts a charming and historic downtown area, with local breweries, restaurants, and shops. The county is known for its vibrant craft beer and food scene, attracting visitors with its unique offerings and lively atmosphere. Additionally, the region is rich in cultural and historical sites, including the Marquette Regional History Center, which showcases the area's Indigenous history and mining past.

Sawyer Airport's role in economic development

Sawyer International Airport, soon to be renamed Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport, serves Marquette, Michigan. The airport plays a significant role in enhancing the economic development of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Sawyer Airport's purpose is to provide high-quality aviation services and facilities to its users in a safe and efficient manner. It offers daily flights to Detroit Metro and Chicago O'Hare, amounting to nearly 1,874 aircraft flights and over 2 million pounds of cargo and mail annually. These services provide essential connections for the region, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and mail in and out of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The airport's role in economic development is multi-faceted. Firstly, it contributes to the region's tourism industry by providing easy access for visitors. The airport's daily flights bring tourists and business travellers to the area, boosting local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and attractions. This influx of visitors has a ripple effect on the local economy, creating jobs and generating revenue for various industries.

Additionally, Sawyer Airport serves as a hub for cargo transportation. The significant volume of cargo handled by the airport indicates its importance in facilitating trade and commerce in the region. Businesses rely on efficient cargo services to transport goods, and Sawyer Airport's ability to handle a substantial amount of cargo contributes to the economic growth of the area.

The airport also provides employment opportunities for locals, creating jobs directly in aviation, security, customer service, and airport operations. Furthermore, the airport's presence attracts businesses to the region, fostering economic development and diversification. The availability of air transportation makes the area more attractive for companies considering expansion or relocation, bringing new investments and job opportunities.

Recognizing the importance of the airport's role, there are ongoing efforts to improve its services and customer experience. A $20 million renovation plan includes rebranding and terminal expansion to give the airport a more regional feel. These improvements aim to make the airport more accessible and appealing to travellers, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of Marquette and the surrounding area.

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