TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH) will be renamed Tallahassee International Airport on Monday, June 29.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially given the airport an international designation. The airport will celebrate the new status and unveil a new logo during a ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday in the observation area.
“It’s been a long time coming and we’re elated to finally have the formal designation as an international airport from the FAA,” said City Commissioner Scott Maddox, commission liaison to the airport. “Securing the international designation for the airport is a key component in the long-term strategy to enhance economic and business development opportunities in Tallahassee. The immediate result of the international designation will mean more cargo and general aviation flights into our airport."
Having international status provides TLH with improvements in general aviation, freight carriers and commercial passenger service.
Currently, the airport averages 176 flights per day, mostly from general aviation. Now, companies and commercial air carriers can fly from overseas into Tallahassee without having to first stop at another global point of entry. The airport will also benefit from revenue coming from increased freight activity.
“Having the ability to accommodate international traffic will allow the Tallahassee region to compete with other communities looking to attract international business opportunities. New businesses will attract jobs and generate revenue that will have a positive impact on Tallahassee's economy,” said Chris Curry, director of aviation. “The generation of new revenue streams will contribute to lowering the overall cost for commercial airlines to operate at the airport. Lowering the cost will make the airport more attractive for new carriers to provide service and current carriers to add new destinations.”
The airport is continuing to undergo renovation, which will include an international arrivals center, an improved food court and retail space, and relocating the baggage security checkpoint.
