The Vastness Of Mid-Continent Airport: Size And Significance

Mid-Continent Airport, formerly known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport and now called Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, is located about seven miles west of downtown Wichita, Kansas. The airport is the busiest in the state of Kansas and is used by several major airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Mid-Continent Airport offers non-stop flights to over 10 cities across the United States and provides a range of amenities for passengers, including rental cars, taxis, shuttles, limousines, parking lots, free WiFi, ATMs, charging stations, and more. The airport has also recently expanded its operations with the construction of a new 31,500 SF hangar, doubling its previous capacity, and is expected to create over 20 new jobs, bringing continued economic growth to the region.

Wichita Mid-Continent Airport is now called Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, formerly known as the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, is located about 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown Wichita, Kansas, United States. Covering 3,248 acres (1,314 ha) of land, it is the largest and busiest airport in Kansas. The airport code, ICT, is also a nickname for the city.

The airport was known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport from 1973 until 2014, when it was renamed in honour of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. Eisenhower was a Kansas native, and his boyhood home, museum, and Presidential Library are at the Eisenhower Presidential Center in Abilene, Kansas. The name change was approved by the Wichita City Council and the City of Wichita in May 2014, and it was made official by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on November 13, 2014.

The airport's history dates back to the 1920s when Wichita hosted the National Air Congress, attracting over 100,000 people. The success of this event led to fundraising for a proposed Wichita Municipal Airport, and ground-breaking ceremonies were held in 1929. The Wichita Municipal Airport was officially dedicated in 1935, and during World War II, it became a military installation for the Kansas National Guard. After the war, the airport expanded, and in 1953, it opened to general aviation traffic, with airline flights moving to the new airport in 1954. It became Wichita Mid-Continent Airport in 1973 when Kansas City renamed its own Mid-Continent Airport to Kansas City International Airport.

The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport features a modern two-story terminal with aviation-themed exhibits, covering 272,000 sq ft (25,300 m2). The terminal was designed by HNTB and constructed in 2015, showcasing Wichita's prominent position in the aviation industry. The airport has received accolades for its high percentage of on-time departures and high passenger approval ratings across various categories, including parking facilities, security, cleanliness, and concessions.

It is the busiest airport in Kansas

The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, formerly known as the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Kansas. Located 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown Wichita, the airport covers 3,248 acres (1,314 ha) of land and contains three runways.

The airport's ICT designation is an abbreviation for Wichita. The ICT designation was chosen because, at the time, the FCC prohibited airport codes from starting with the letters "K" or "W," which were commonly used as the starting letters for radio stations in the United States. The ICT code has become a nickname for the city of Wichita.

The Wichita Mid-Continent Airport was renamed in 2014 to honour former US President, General, and Kansas native Dwight D. Eisenhower. The airport's new terminal opened on June 3, 2015, and features a modern architectural design that showcases Wichita's prominent position in the aviation industry. The terminal covers 272,000 sq ft (25,300 m2) and includes aviation-themed exhibits as part of its design.

Over the years, the airport has undergone various renovations and expansions. In 1985, the airport renovated its ticketing areas and added two gates. In 1989, a $6 million renovation of the terminal was completed. The airfield also hosts the Bombardier Aerospace Flight Test Centre, which was established in 1991. The old terminal, which had two concourses (East and West) and served multiple airlines, was permanently closed and demolished in 2015.

The airport is located about seven miles west of downtown Wichita

The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, formerly known as the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, is located about seven miles west of downtown Wichita, Kansas. The airport is the largest and busiest in the state, covering 3,248 acres (1,314 ha) and featuring three runways.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1920s when Wichita hosted the National Air Congress, an event that attracted over 100,000 people. The success of this event led to the proposal and construction of the Wichita Municipal Airport, which was dedicated in 1935. During World War II, the airport was shared by civil and military flights, with the Kansas National Guard's 127th Observation Squadron activated as the first military unit assigned to the airport.

In 1951, the United States Air Force acquired the Wichita Municipal Airport, and it became a permanent military installation known as the Wichita Air Force Base, and later the McConnell Air Force Base. This prompted the construction of a new Wichita Municipal Airport, which opened in 1953 and was dedicated in 1954. The new airport was located about seven miles west of downtown Wichita, offering easy access to the city.

The airport was renamed the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport in 1973 and underwent a significant renovation in 1989, with a $6 million upgrade to the terminal. In 2014, the airport was renamed again, this time honouring the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport now serves as a hub for several major airlines, connecting Wichita to destinations across the country and the world.

It offers rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and limousines

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), formerly known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, is located about seven miles west of downtown Wichita, Kansas. It is the busiest airport in the state of Kansas. The airport offers a range of transportation options for passengers, including rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and limousines.

Rental cars are available from various companies, providing a convenient option for passengers who prefer to drive themselves. These can be found onsite at the airport, allowing travellers to easily access a diverse fleet of vehicles to suit their needs. For those who prefer a more luxurious experience, limousines can be pre-arranged, offering a stylish and elegant way to travel.

In addition to the rental options, taxis are readily available at the airport, providing a quick and efficient way to get to and from the airport. Taxi services offer convenience and comfort, ensuring passengers can reach their destinations without any hassle. The taxi industry in Wichita is well-regulated, ensuring fair practices and reasonable rates for travellers.

The airport also provides shuttle services, which are an economical and eco-friendly transportation option. These shuttles connect the airport to various destinations across the region, making it convenient for passengers to reach their hotels, homes, or other desired locations. The shuttle services operate on a regular schedule, ensuring timely departures and arrivals, and they are particularly popular for passengers travelling to and from the airport in larger groups.

Mid-Continent Airport, now known as Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, has a rich history. The name change occurred when the airport was previously known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport. The airport has played a significant role in the growth and success of Kansas's aerospace industry, earning Wichita the title of "Air Capital of the World."

Mid-Continent Aviation Services is doubling its workforce and building a new hangar

Mid-Continent Aviation Services is expanding its operations at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, formerly known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, with plans to double its workforce and construct a new hangar. This significant growth strategy includes investments exceeding $5.7 million, showcasing the company's commitment to enhancing its capabilities and presence in the aviation industry.

The new hangar, spanning 31,500 square feet, will replace the existing 15,000 square foot structure, which has already been deconstructed. This expanded space will accommodate future work plans and feature state-of-the-art infrastructure. The hangar is projected to be operational by the first quarter of 2022, marking a significant milestone in the company's development.

The expansion underscores the company's recognition of Wichita as a prominent aerospace hub, housing one of the five great aerospace clusters globally. This development aligns with the Regional Growth Plan, an economic strategy aimed at bolstering the economy of the Greater Wichita region, attracting new businesses, and fostering the expansion of existing industries.

The Lieutenant Governor and Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary, David Toland, commended Mid-Continent Aviation Services' expansion plans, highlighting the creation of well-paying jobs and the reinforcement of Wichita's reputation in the aerospace sector. The new hangar will not only enhance maintenance operations but also contribute to the diversification of the local aviation industry, solidifying Wichita's position as a key aviation business destination.

This strategic move by Mid-Continent Aviation Services underscores the company's proactive approach to growth and its commitment to driving economic progress in the region. By investing in infrastructure and talent, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the dynamic aviation landscape in Wichita and beyond.

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