The St. Cloud Regional Airport is once again increasing its offerings to Central Minnesota, with additional flights and an expansion on airport grounds.

 

Beginning Nov. 4 and going through April 4, Allegiant Airlines will be offering five nonstop flights each week from the St. Cloud Regional Airport to the Phoenix-Mesa Airport in Arizona, an increase from the four times per week flights offered during that time last year and the two times per week flights offered year-round. 

 

Additional flights to Punta Gorda (Fort Meyers) Airport in Southwest Florida are also being expanded. 

 

“Our current flights have been at a 90% load factor (90% full),” said St. Cloud Regional Airport Director Bill Towle. “We’re adding the additional flights because they’ve been so successful. We’re really happy with the service we receive from Allegiant. They’re a great partner.”

 

Travelers can purchase tickets by visiting Allegiant’s website at allegiantair.com, or by coming in to the St. Cloud Airport and speaking to an Allegiant Airlines reservation agent in person. The reservation agent is only at the airport for an hour after each flight leaves, however, so people are advised to check the website to note when the flight times are.

 

This fall the airport also began developing an area for expansion of their hangar space in the general aviation area, which is for all aircraft other than commercial. The airport owns 60 stalls of T-hangar space, however they’re almost entirely at capacity.

 

“We only have three stalls open out of 60,” said Towle. “And we may be full by the end of the year. Similar to a housing development, the expansion area will be available for people who want to build their own private hangar at the airport.”

 

The project is being completed in two phases. Phase one, which is expected to be completed in the next week, is clearing and grading the area and getting the subgrade of the taxi lane that will lead to the runway ready for pavement.

 

Phase two, which will begin next year, involves paving and installing lighting, fencing and gates. 

 

None of the $2 million project is being financed through the taxpaying public. The Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) is paying for 90% of the expansion through grants it offers through the user fee paid for by those that use the air aviation system.

 

Another 5% of the project is being paid for through MnDOT Aeronautics’ user fee system, and the final 5% through the City of St. Cloud’s local option sales tax.

“We’re excited to be able to offer this development,” said Towle. “There’s a great need for general hangar space here.”

 

Like is typical of most airports, building space will be obtained through a long-term lease with the airport. Towle said there are already people who have expressed interest in the property.

 

The expansion project is expected to be completed in fall 2019.