Beginning Nov. 1, Delta Air Lines will provide jet air service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) via Toledo Express (TOL). The twice daily service, operated with 50-seat regional jets, replaces service to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Country Airport (DTW).
“We focus on air passenger service development everyday at Toledo Express. The Minneapolis-St. Paul market is one that we have targeted for some time now and we are pleased to be able to offer this option to our community,” says Paul L. Toth, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “The success of service to this destination depends on community support.”
The proximity to the Detroit market and the concept that Detroit area airports are close enough to drive to have continued to challenge the success of the Detroit destination from Toledo Express. Rechanneling the destination to MSP introduces 40 new one-stop destinations from Toledo Express.
“Delta’s new nonstop service from Toledo to our Minneapolis-St. Paul hub will give our customers access to more than 500 daily flights to destinations worldwide,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s managing director – Network Planning. “Minneapolis-St. Paul’s convenient one-stop service includes flights across the U.S. as well as Amsterdam, Paris, London-Heathrow and Tokyo-Narita.”
The new service will be operated by Delta Connection.
Currently, nonstop service from Toledo Express is available to Chicago (ORD), Detroit (DTW), Orlando/Sanford (SFB), and St. Pete/Clearwater (PIE). Seasonal nonstop service to Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda (PGD) begins again on Nov. 19. Delta, American Eagle, Allegiant Air and Direct Air operate air passenger service out of Toledo Express.
Toledo Express provides a quick and easy alternative to larger, less convenient and more expensive airports. Parking is available within 50 feet of the Toledo Express terminal and daily parking rates at Toledo Express are just $8 per day compared with more than $20 at other airports.
“This change comes during a particularly difficult time for air passenger service and we perceive this new market to be a good service for the travel community that utilizes Toledo Express,” added Toth. “We understand that our region has many choices when it comes to air travel. Departing and arriving from Toledo is not only more efficient but also supports the local economy – we encourage our community to check the viability of flying out of Toledo Express first.”
Toledo Express Airport, owned by the city of Toledo and operated by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, is a publicly operated airport located in Swanton, Ohio. Major facilities at the airport include a 10,600-foot primary runway (Runway 07/25) with full parallel taxiways and a 5,599-foot long crosswind runway (Runway 16/34). Other facilities include fixed base operators, air traffic control tower, precision instrument approach and fuel. Toledo Express Airport supports commercial airline activity, air cargo operations, corporate and general aviation activity.
Toledo Express Airport, which is home to approximately 30 on-airport businesses, is a major component of the area’s public transportation network. The airport is frequently used to support business-related activities and is home to numerous flight departments, including such major corporations as Owens Illinois, Owens Corning and ProMedica Air.
Toledo Express Airport supports several flight schools, including Flight Safety International and serves as the base for the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard. BAX Global, an air cargo carrier, utilizes the airport as its national hub. The airport is served by four passenger airlines including Allegiant Air, Delta, Direct Air and American Eagle. The airport also supports corporate operations, air cargo, law enforcement flights and military exercise and training.
Toledo Express Airport has an annual economic impact of $640 million on northwest Ohio. The aviation businesses, on-airport construction, visitors arriving to the area via the airport, and the associated multiplier impacts create more than 7,500 jobs.