Progress.Prosperity.Job Growth.Regional Connectivity. Workforce Opportunity.

According to the most recent economic impact studies, the airport is an important contributor to Cleveland’s fiscal health, supporting over 650 jobs and nearly $195 million in direct annual economic activity. Like all of the city’s transportation infrastructure, BKL serves as a gateway for high-value tax revenue and corporate investment that directly fuels the downtown economy.

BKL keeps Cleveland connected and competitive, handling 40,000 to 50,000 flights per year, including business aviation, medical flights, flight training and a host of civic services..

Business Connectivity: Companies of all sizes rely on BKL to bring key employees and clients directly into the heart of a forward-looking city. Proposals to shutter the airfield send a stark message that Cleveland is closing its “front door” to local and global business opportunities.

Medical Flights: BKL is the preferred destination – and often, the only option – for organ-transplant flights and critical patient transfers for the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals due to its proximity to University Circle. In life-or-death situations, the 20-minute difference between landing at BKL versus Hopkins or County is the difference between success and tragedy.

Workforce Growth: BKL plays a central role in confronting a national challenge – the severe shortage of pilots and other aviation professionals, which are key to preserving America’s global aviation leadership. The world-class flight-instruction academies at BKL provide the city with a distinct advantage in leadership on a national priority, while helping local students find high-paying aviation careers. Closing BKL means closing off Cleveland’s position as a “classroom” for hundreds of professionals in a global industry.