Saginaw, Michigan: Airport Availability And Accessibility

Saginaw, Michigan is served by MBS International Airport, which is owned by Bay County and the cities of Midland and Saginaw. The airport's name is derived from the initials of these three communities. Saginaw is also home to the Harry W. Browne Airport, which was the first airport north of Detroit and has been recognised as the Michigan Airport of the Year in 2023.

Saginaw MBS International Airport

During World War II, the federal government purchased land and began constructing the Tri-City Airport for various air training projects. German prisoners of war, who lived in barracks at the facility, helped maintain the airfield. After the war, the airport was handed over to local governments, and civilian control resumed in the mid-1940s.

In October 2012, MBS opened a new $55 million, six-gate terminal, replacing the old three-gate terminal built in 1965. The new terminal, which opened on October 31, 2012, was designed by RS&H and is located on the north side of the airfield. The old terminal sat empty until it was demolished in 2017.

MBS International Airport has seen significant growth over the years, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, with an expansion of airline service. Air Canada, operated by Air Ontario, served MBS with its only international destination, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Allegiant Air began serving MBS in late 2011 with weekly MD-80 service to Orlando-Sanford, although this service was discontinued shortly after. American Eagle Airlines operated Shorts 360 turboprop aircraft to various destinations, including Chicago O'Hare, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City.

Saginaw H.W. Browne Airport

The airport is managed by Kaufman Aviation Management, which is recognised for its warm hospitality and first-class transportation services. The airport boasts a new and improved terminal, offering convenience and comfort to pilots and transients visiting Saginaw County. The terminal features modern amenities and energy-efficient design, promoting infrastructure development for air travel and business in the region.

According to statistics for the year ending December 31, 2021, the airport recorded 12,000 aircraft operations, averaging 33 per day. During this period, 41 aircraft were based at the airport, including 29 single-engine and 7 multi-engine airplanes, 4 jet aircraft, and 1 helicopter. The airport accommodates general aviation and provides private flight services for those seeking personalised air transportation.

MBS International Airport history

MBS International Airport is a commercial airport owned by Bay County and the cities of Midland and Saginaw. The airport's name is an acronym formed from the names of these three communities. It is governed by a nine-member commission, with three members from each community. The airport covers 3,200 acres and has two runways.

During World War II, the federal government bought land and began constructing the Tri-City Airport for various air training projects. German prisoners of war, who lived in barracks at the facility, helped maintain the field. After the war, the airport was handed over to local governments, and civilian control resumed in the mid-1940s.

The airport has seen significant growth and expansion since the 1980s. During this time, airline service expanded, with many airlines beginning to serve MBS. Air Canada (operated by Air Ontario) served MBS with its only international destination, Toronto, Ontario. Allegiant Air began serving MBS in late 2011 with weekly MD-80 service to Orlando-Sanford, although this service was discontinued after less than a year. American Eagle Airlines operated Shorts 360 turboprop aircraft to Chicago O'Hare, as well as Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City. Northwest Airlink linked MBS to Flint, Lansing, and Alpena throughout the 1980s with turboprop aircraft and eventually offered CRJ service to Detroit and Minneapolis. In the 1980s and 1990s, United Airlines linked MBS with Chicago using Boeing 737 and 727 aircraft.

In October 2012, MBS opened a new $55 million six-gate terminal, replacing the old three-gate terminal built in 1965. The new terminal was designed by RS&H and is located on the north side of the airfield. The construction project was completed nearly a year ahead of schedule. The old terminal sat empty until it was demolished in 2017. In 2018, MBS International Airport saw a 13% increase in passenger numbers.

Saginaw Airport amenities

Saginaw, Michigan, is served by MBS International Airport, which is located in the region of Freeland, Michigan, and primarily serves the cities of Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw. The airport is a commercial airport owned by Bay County and the cities of Midland and Saginaw, and governed by a nine-member commission.

MBS International Airport offers various amenities to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. The airport provides free WiFi throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected. There is also a comfortable passenger lounge for relaxation before flights and dining options for grabbing a quick snack or a meal. Car rental services are available for convenient transportation, and there are ample parking spaces with options for both short-term and long-term parking. Additionally, the airport provides clean and accessible restroom facilities.

The airport's terminal adopts green principles, making use of natural daylight and sustainable materials such as local white pine and other timber to reflect the lumber industry of the Saginaw Valley. The construction of the terminal also incorporated recycled building materials, aligning with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles. The terminal building features a flowing wave-shaped glass roof, covering 75,000 square feet (7,000 square meters). It was designed by the aviation architect Reynolds Smith & Hills of Jacksonville, Florida, and cost around $48 million to construct, with funding provided by the FAA, the State of Michigan, and MBS Airport.

In addition to MBS International Airport, there are several other airports in the Saginaw area, including James Clements Municipal Airport, Jack Barstow Airport, Saginaw County H.W. Browne Airport, Gross Airport, Wm 'Tiny' Zehnder Field, Howard Nixon Memorial Airport, Pewanogowink-Banks Airport, and Cagney Airport. These airports cater to a range of aviation needs, from private charter flights to commercial aircraft.

Saginaw Airport services

Saginaw, Michigan, is served by MBS International Airport, a commercial airport owned by Bay County and the cities of Midland and Saginaw. The airport's name is derived from the initials of these three communities, and its governing body is composed of three members from each. Saginaw is also home to the Harry W. Browne Airport, formerly known as the Saginaw H.W. Browne Airport.

MBS International Airport

MBS International Airport boasts a modern, state-of-the-art passenger terminal that opened in 2012, replacing an older terminal built in 1965. The new terminal cost $55 million to construct and features six gates. The airport has experienced growth in passenger numbers, with a 13% increase recorded in 2018. It is also a sponsor of the Great Lakes Loons, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

MBS International Airport offers flights operated by Endeavor Air and occasionally SkyWest. The airport features both CRJ7 and CRJ9 aircraft. CRJ7 aircraft have a seating configuration of 9 First Class, 16 Delta Comfort+, and 44 Main Cabin seats. Meanwhile, CRJ9 aircraft offer 12 First Class, 20 Delta Comfort+, and 38 Main Cabin seats. Ground handling services for Delta Connection at MBS are provided by DAL Global Services.

Harry W. Browne Airport

The Harry W. Browne Airport, formerly known as the Saginaw H.W. Browne Airport, is located in Saginaw County. It has a rich history in aviation, dating back to the formation of the Paramount Aircraft Corporation in 1928 by pioneer aviators Walter Carr and Joseph Behse. The airport has received the Al Kaufmans Airport of the Year Award and is associated with the Saginaw Valley Air Museum.

The airport in Saginaw County offers various services, including flight training, fuelling, aircraft service maintenance, and sales. The new terminal provides improved facilities for pilots and transients, prioritising convenience and comfort. The airport management, led by Al Kaufman, is known for its warm hospitality and first-class transportation aviation services.

Frequently asked questions