media room
NEWS RELEASES
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TOLEDO, Ohio, November 15, 2023 – Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL) becomes the first airport in the country to receive the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) grants this prestigious credential to organizations that prove their ongoing commitment to creating an environment that welcomes, includes, and accommodates autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. To become a CAC, the airport team completed a comprehensive training and certification process to ensure they are equipped with the skills, resources and understanding of the best practices for accommodating autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers and their families.
“We are proud to be the first airport in the country to receive a Certified Autism Center™ designation for Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, which is part of Destination Toledo’s vision of making Toledo a Certified Autism Destination,” says Tim O’Donnell, Airport Director for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “The airport is an important asset in our region that should be equally accessible to every member of our community. Our already established AccessTOL program continues to provide an interactive, hands-on experience to future passengers to familiarize and introduce them to the airport in a way that aims to help them feel more comfortable and empowered to travel, and this designation will only improve that program.”
Toledo Express hosts multiple AccessTOL Airport Experience Events throughout the year to provide those who might need additional support or assistance with the experience of traveling through an airport and identifying potential challenges they may encounter. At the event, individuals will learn how to visit the ticket counter to receive a boarding pass, get screened through TSA, check-in at the gate, walk through the jet bridge and retrieve a bag at baggage claim. TOL’s website includes a website ADA compliance subscription, called AccessiBe, which offers website features such as seizure safe, vision impaired, ADHD friendly and screen readers.
By completing the CAC program, TOL joins the greater Destination Toledo initiative to achieve the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) designation, which IBCCES awards to communities with a multitude of trained and certified lodging, recreation, and entertainment options. Other organizations that have completed the CAC program as part of this initiative include Destination Toledo, Valentine Theatre, Sylvania Chamber, Avenues for Autism, Boyds Retro Candy, Wingate by Wyndham Sylvania/Toledo, Toledo Speedway BMX, and Toledo Museum of Art, with many organizations in the area in the process of completion.
The completion of the CAC designation at the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport and the success of the AccessTOL program would not have been possible without the participation of several partners, including Destination Toledo, Avis/Budget, Enterprise, Choice Aviation (Allegiant ground handling), Transportation Security Administration, Avenues for Autism, and the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio.
“Having the first airport in the country to become a Certified Autism Center not only speaks to Toledo’s efforts to be a welcoming and inclusive destination for all travelers, but helps fill a need for the 1 in 6 people with sensory needs, a significant community of underserved travelers that we welcome with open arms in Toledo,” said Lance Woodworth, President and CEO of Destination Toledo.
“Toledo Express Airport’s decision to become autism certified is very admirable,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “By becoming a CAC, TOL is proving how much they care for every traveler that visits the airport. This is a huge step in creating travel options that are accessible for all people, regardless of their unique needs, and we hope that this will set a new precedent for other airports to follow suit.”
IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe for more than 20 years. IBCCES is the only global credentialing board providing travel and entertainment organizations with training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates, and other resources, as well as long-term support that helps them understand how to better accommodate and assist autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families.
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
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TOLEDO, Ohio, August 25, 2022 – The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority recently engaged the Bowling Green State University’s (BGSU) Center for Regional Development (CRD) to conduct an economic impact analysis for the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL) and the Toledo Executive Airport (TDZ). The study highlights that in 2021 TOL supported over 2,900 jobs and over $581 million in economic output in the Toledo Region, while TDZ supported an additional 44 jobs and over $6.6 million in economic output.
“The results of the economic impact study show the true impact of our local airports,” said Thomas J. Winston, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “The diversity of our operations is key to the success we have seen thus far, and we will continue to build on these successes in not just one aspect of the airports, but all. Our economic impact is far greater than if the airports only relied on one type of aviation operation.”
TOL serves as a hub of economic activity in northwest Ohio by supporting manufacturing, military, air cargo, aviation training and education, commercial service aviation, and general aviation operations. TOL’s economic impact on northwest Ohio is significant and is led by the presence of a diverse set of employers and activities, including the 180th Ohio Air National Guard Fighter Wing, Tronair, Inc., Amazon Air, and commercial and general aviation activities. Non-commercial air service activity represents the largest component of economic output at TOL, representing $530 million (91.21%) of the total impact due to the presence of the Ohio Air National Guard and other large-scale employers, as well as increased cargo operations.
“Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport and Toledo Executive Airport are vital public assets that support significant employment and economic activity across northwest Ohio,” said Russell W. Mills, Ph.D., Senior Director of the BGSU CRD. “In addition to the direct impact operations at both facilities have on the region, business to business purchases of goods and services as well as the spending of wages by employees at businesses across the region enhance the economic contribution of both facilities across northwest Ohio.”
To view the entire economic impact study, please click here.
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TOLEDO, Ohio. March 9, 2022 — Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today begins service from Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL) to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new routes as low as $49.*
“Mesa is a gateway to some of the best attractions that the southwest region has to offer, and we’re thrilled to provide Toledo residents a way to get there,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s senior vice president of revenue and planning. “We know leisure travelers enjoy the convenience Allegiant offers: affordable flights that get them to their destinations without the hassle of layovers or connections.”
The new flights will operate twice weekly. Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com.
Allegiant offers a unique option to Toledo-area travelers with low base airfare and savings on rental cars and hotels. Travelers can book their entire vacation with Allegiant for less.
*About the introductory one-way fares:
Seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by March 11, 2022 for travel by May 14, 2022. Price displayed includes taxes, carrier charges & government fees. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Optional baggage charges and additional restrictions may apply. For more details, optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com.
Allegiant – Together We FlyTM
Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places and experiences that matter most. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant's fleet serves communities across the nation, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF
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TOL BLOGS
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March 2024
Now is the perfect time to book your next vacation!
Fly nonstop from TOL on Allegiant to Florida.
Check out activities that will have you on the next flight out!
Fort Myers/Punta Gorda
There are multiple boat tour options in the Fort Myers/Punta Gorda area. Some popular ones include a sunset cruise, fishing tour, manatee and dolphin tours, dinner and dancing cruise, and more!
Fisherman’s Village is filled with live music, entertainment, shopping, eateries, and water adventures and tours to enjoy. Basically, a full day of fun!
Orlando-Sanford
Experience the magic and adventure of one (or more!) of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks! Maybe you want to visit iconic Disney characters at Magic Kingdom Park or test your skills flying the Millennium Falcon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney has an adventure for everyone!
Located less than an hour from the heart of Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is a NASA field center that happens to be the organization’s main launch site! Here, guests can learn about the beginning of space exploration, ongoing missions, view real-life pieces of spacecraft, and everything in between!
St. Pete-Clearwater
Grab your sunscreen and beach toys for an unforgettable beach day! St. Pete-Clearwater is known for its gorgeous, sandy beaches, so you’re bound to find the perfect one for you. Popular spots include Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island, Shell Key, St. Pete Beach, and Madeira Beach.
Journey on a guided boat tour through the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico and see Bottlenose dolphins!
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February 2024
On February 19, 2024, Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport hosted its fourth AccessTOL event, one year after the launch of the AccessTOL Airport Experience program at Toledo Express!
This event provides special needs and disabled individuals the experience of traveling through an airport to identify potential challenges that may be encountered. At the event, individuals learn how to visit the ticket counter to receive a boarding pass, get screened through TSA, check-in at the gate, walk through the jet bridge, and retrieve a bag at baggage claim.
Please follow us on social media for information on our next event!
Introducing TOL's New Sensory & Mother's Room
TOL also constructed a new sensory room for travelers to utilize as a safe and quiet space while traveling through Toledo Express. This room may also be used as a Mother's Room for pumping and breastfeeding.
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February 2024
In our continued celebration of Black History Month, we recognize the Tuskegee Airmen - the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
The Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 15,000 individual sorties during World War II, which earned them more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses and encouraged the integration of the U.S. armed forces.
In 2015, the Port Authority hosted a Red Tail Squadron Event at the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport. The event is dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
At the event, we were joined by the late Dr. Harold Brown and the late Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson. We honor their lives, achievements, and contributions made not only to our country, but to the advancement of African Americans in the aviation industry.
Click here to watch the event’s video.
We recognize Dr. Harold H. Brown (August 19, 1924 – January 12, 2023), former U.S. Army Air Force officer with the Tuskegee Airmen and resident of Port Clinton, Ohio.
Brown was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and developed a passion for aviation at a young age. After graduating high school, he applied to and was accepted to the Tuskegee Institute for flight training. He graduated from the school as a 2nd Lieutenant at just 19 years old.
Brown served in World War II and the Korean War. In 1944, he and 32 other Airmen were captured in Germany for eight months. Ultimately, he retired from the Air Force in 1965. He later attended the Ohio State University and earned a Doctorate in Education in mathematics. He also published a memoir, Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman, in 2017.
We also recognize Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson (November 15, 1921- June 22, 2022), who served as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II.
Jefferson was born in Detroit, MI, and joined the United States Army Reserves in 1942. In April 1943, he began flight training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield and graduated as a second lieutenant in 1944. Jefferson flew eighteen missions during World War II before being captured alongside Dr. Brown.
Jefferson retired in 1947 and soon after received his teaching certificate from Wayne State University. He worked in the Michigan School System for over 30 years in various roles.
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January 2024
Beat the Northwest Ohio chill and enjoy the sights and adventures of a new city!
Check out these fun activities in and around Phoenix that will be sure to have you hopping on a nonstop flight out of TOL this spring.
1. Cactus League Spring Training
One of the largest MLB spring training leagues, the Cactus League, takes place in the Greater Phoenix area every spring and includes Ohio’s own Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds! Grab tickets to a game to experience encounters with your favorite baseball veterans and up-and-coming prospects!
2. Golf
The Greater Phoenix area is regarded as one of the top destinations for golf with nearly 200 golf courses! Whether you are in the mood to golf on classic green grass at a highly rated golf club, or a course with desert landscape behind you, there is an experience for every golfer!
3. Guided Tour
Start your adventure with a guided land, air, or water tour where you can immerse yourself in the history and sights of Greater Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert. Visit Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, and South Mountain Park for some of the best views and photo opportunities. Popular methods of travel include by foot, Jeep, horseback, balloon, helicopter, and boat!
4. McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Spend the day outdoors at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy to hike through the cacti forests and see hundreds of different types of plants and animals in this 30,500+ acre preserve.
Take in the breathtaking sunset views of the Sonoran Desert and Greater Phoenix at one of the many rooftop bar and restaurants. A few popular stops include From the Rooftop, Upstairs at FLINT, and Rustler’s Rooste.
Phoenix is home to a number of sports teams including NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, and NBA’s Phoenix Suns. The city also hosts many major sporting events every year, including the NASCAR Championship Weekend. Click here to view a schedule of events!
Your unforgettable vacation to Phoenix is only a flight away out of Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport on Allegiant! Book now at allegiant.com.
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NOVEMBER 2023
Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL) becomes the first airport in the country to receive the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) grants this prestigious credential to organizations that prove their ongoing commitment to creating an environment that welcomes, includes, and accommodates autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. To become a CAC, the airport team completed a comprehensive training and certification process to ensure they are equipped with the skills, resources and understanding of the best practices for accommodating autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers and their families.
“We are proud to be the first airport in the country to receive a Certified Autism Center™ designation for Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, which is part of Destination Toledo’s vision of making Toledo a Certified Autism Destination,” says Tim O’Donnell, Airport Director for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “The airport is an important asset in our region that should be equally accessible to every member of our community. Our already established AccessTOL program continues to provide an interactive, hands-on experience to future passengers to familiarize and introduce them to the airport in a way that aims to help them feel more comfortable and empowered to travel, and this designation will only improve that program.”
Toledo Express hosts multiple AccessTOL Airport Experience Events throughout the year to provide those who might need additional support or assistance with the experience of traveling through an airport and identifying potential challenges they may encounter. At the event, individuals will learn how to visit the ticket counter to receive a boarding pass, get screened through TSA, check-in at the gate, walk through the jet bridge and retrieve a bag at baggage claim. TOL’s website includes a website ADA compliance subscription, called AccessiBe, which offers website features such as seizure safe, vision impaired, ADHD friendly and screen readers.
By completing the CAC program, TOL joins the greater Destination Toledo initiative to achieve the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) designation, which IBCCES awards to communities with a multitude of trained and certified lodging, recreation, and entertainment options. Other organizations that have completed the CAC program as part of this initiative include Destination Toledo, Valentine Theatre, Sylvania Chamber, Avenues for Autism, Boyds Retro Candy, Wingate by Wyndham Sylvania/Toledo, Toledo Speedway BMX, and Toledo Museum of Art, with many organizations in the area in the process of completion.
The completion of the CAC designation at the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport and the success of the AccessTOL program would not have been possible without the participation of several partners, including Destination Toledo, Avis/Budget, Enterprise, Choice Aviation (Allegiant ground handling), Transportation Security Administration, Avenues for Autism, and the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio.
“Having the first airport in the country to become a Certified Autism Center not only speaks to Toledo’s efforts to be a welcoming and inclusive destination for all travelers, but helps fill a need for the 1 in 6 people with sensory needs, a significant community of underserved travelers that we welcome with open arms in Toledo,” said Lance Woodworth, President and CEO of Destination Toledo.
“Toledo Express Airport’s decision to become autism certified is very admirable,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “By becoming a CAC, TOL is proving how much they care for every traveler that visits the airport. This is a huge step in creating travel options that are accessible for all people, regardless of their unique needs, and we hope that this will set a new precedent for other airports to follow suit.”
IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe for more than 20 years. IBCCES is the only global credentialing board providing travel and entertainment organizations with training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates, and other resources, as well as long-term support that helps them understand how to better accommodate and assist autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families.
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
Please click here for more information on the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport
Please click here for more information on the Certified Autism Program
MEDIA CONTACT:
Holly Kemler, Director of Communications | hkemler@toledoport.org
Kayla Cunningham, Communications Manager | kcunningham@toledoport.org