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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About Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport
The Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL), owned by the City of Toledo, has been managed by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority since 1973. TOL offers nonstop service to Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona, and Orlando Sanford, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda and St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida, via Allegiant. TOL is home to over 20 on-airport businesses including the 180th Fighter Wing Ohio National Guard, and an Amazon Air Toledo Gateway. Various corporate hangers, aircraft maintenance facilities, fixed-based operators, and air cargo operations are located at TOL. Toledo Public Schools’ Aerospace & Natural Science Academy of Toledo and the Federal Aerospace Institute adult aircraft maintenance technician school are both located at the airport, making Toledo a leader in aviation education.
About IBCCES
Committed to providing The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.
The mission of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is to develop expertise and assets that drive and grow the region’s transportation and logistics infrastructure and its economic prosperity for all.
www.toledoport.org – 419.243.8251
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.
The mission of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is to develop expertise and assets that drive and grow the region’s transportation and logistics infrastructure and its economic prosperity for all.
toledoport.org – 419.243.8251
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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Media Contact
Phone: 702-800-2020
Email: mediarelations@allegiantair.com
TOLEDO, Ohio, March 9, 2022 – The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority today celebrated the new service between Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) on Allegiant. With the addition of the Phoenix-Mesa route, Allegiant now offers nonstop, low-cost flights to four cities out of TOL.
“We are thrilled that Allegiant now offers a new nonstop flight between Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport,” said Thomas J. Winston, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “The Phoenix area is a destination that is already very popular among local residents, and we are happy to now offer a convenient nonstop, low-cost option on Allegiant when flying to the Southwest.”
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, located in southeastern Mesa, is approximately 20 miles southeast of Phoenix. The Phoenix-Mesa area hosts a multitude of tourist attractions, including popular hiking trails in and around the city, award-winning museums, golfing, unique dining, and a host of relaxing resorts and spas. Visit other popular destinations including Tucson, Sedona and/or the Grand Canyon on your next visit to AZA.
About Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport
Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, your local choice for fast, easy and convenient air travel, provides an easy alternative to larger, less convenient airports. Parking is available within 50 feet of the terminal and daily parking rates at Toledo Express are just $8 per day compared with more than $20 a day at other airports. Toledo Express offers nonstop service to Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona, and Orlando Sanford, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda and St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida via Allegiant; and nonstop service to Chicago, Illinois, as well as one-stop service to more than 100 worldwide destinations when connecting through Chicago via American Airlines.
For additional information, please refer to www.toledoexpress.com, or connect with the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to stay up-to-date on the airport and the air carriers that serve the Northwest Ohio region.
TOLEDO, Ohio. Dec. 7, 2021 — Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announces a new nonstop route for spring vacation travel from Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL) to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Mesa, Ariz. beginning March 9, 2022. To celebrate, Allegiant is offering one-way fares on the new routes as low as $59.*
The new route is part of a nine-route expansion across Allegiant’s network, launching just in time to plan spring vacations.
“These routes will connect our customers to premier destinations in Arizona and Florida just in time for Spring break,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s senior vice president of revenue and planning. “Whether travelers are looking to explore the desert southwest or take in the beaches of Florida, we’ve got the flights for them – free from the hassle of stops and layovers – at a price they can afford.”
Allegiant’s full network expansion announced today includes 13 additional cities. The new nonstop routes include:
The new routes to Knoxville, Tennessee via McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) include:
- Phoenix, Arizona via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – beginning Feb. 16, 2022 with one-way fares as low as $59.*
- Minneapolis, Minnesota via Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – beginning March 9, 2022 with one-way fares as low as $49.*
The new route to Phoenix, Arizona via Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA):
- Toledo, Ohio via Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL) – beginning March 9, 2022 with one-way fares as low as $59.*
The new route to St. Petersburg, Florida via St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) include:
- Clarksburg, West Virginia via North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) – beginning March 11, 2022 with one-way fares as low as $49.*
The new routes to Appleton, Wisconsin via Appleton International Airport (ATW):
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida via Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – beginning March 10, 2022 with one-way fares as low as $49.*
- Sarasota, Florida via Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – beginning March 11, 2022 with one-way fares as low as $59.*
- Denver, Colorado Via Denver International Airport (DEN) – beginning March 11, 2022 with one-way fares as low as $39.*
The new routes to Flint, Michigan via Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT) include:
- Boston, Massachusetts via Logan International Airport (BOS) – beginning March 10, 2022 with one-way fares as low as $49.*
- Jacksonville, Florida via Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – beginning March 11, 2022 with one-way fares as low as $39.*
Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com.
*About the introductory one-way fares:
Seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by Dec. 8, 2021 for travel by Aug. 15, 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 all-Airbus 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
TOLEDO, Ohio, March 18, 2021 – The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is proud to welcome a new Amazon Air gateway at Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL). Amazon Air’s Toledo Gateway is anticipated to create more than 50 new jobs and will service daily flights, supporting fast, free shipping for Amazon customers in Ohio and throughout the region. Amazon’s first plane arrived at TOL last night at 10:36 p.m. and departed TOL at 8:57 a.m. this morning.
“In 2020, the Port Authority established six strategic pillars for continuing to improve and enhance operations at the airport,” said Thomas J. Winston, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “The re-establishment of air cargo operations was one of these strategies and we are pleased to announce that we have partnered with Amazon Air to launch a new cargo gateway at Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport.”
Amazon Air’s newest gateway will include an onsite area to sort packages bound for their next destination and will be managed by an Amazon logistics partner, Pinnacle Logistics.
Pinnacle Logistics will utilize the Port Authority’s 65,000 sq. ft. building at Two Air Cargo Parkway for the sorting and handling of Amazon Air’s cargo. The Port Authority has been working diligently over the past several months to prepare the facility and the surrounding area for this new air cargo operation. Completed renovations include the installation of 20 new LED high mast ramp lights, resurfacing and LED light installation of the building’s parking lot, reconfiguring gates and fencing, and constructing additional truck docks.
Interested job seekers can find out more about career opportunities associated with this operation by visiting pinnaclelogistics.com.
Thomas Winston, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, will be available for interviews today between 3-4 p.m. at Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport. Please call Holly Kemler at 419.260.9981 or Kayla Lewandowski at 419.461.1887 to coordinate an interview.
The mission of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is to develop expertise and assets that drive and grow the region’s transportation and logistics infrastructure and its economic prosperity for all. www.toledoport.org – 419.243.8251
TOLEDO, Ohio, September 1, 2020 – The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $9,841,052 to assist with two taxiway rehabilitation projects at Toledo Express Airport.
“Receiving this award will advance key capital improvements allowing Toledo Express Airport to remain safe and efficient,” said Thomas Winston, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “These projects are part of our capital improvement plan and one of our six strategic areas of focus to enhance our infrastructure and ensure that our airport remains prepared to accommodate future development opportunities.”
The first project will utilize $1,076,946 of the grant proceeds to rehabilitate the portion of Taxiway N between Taxiway B and Runway 7-25. The second project will utilize $8,764,106 of the grant proceeds for the planning, design, and rehabilitation of Taxiway D Phase II Project. It is anticipated that a portion of the Taxiway D Phase II Project will be completed by the end of this year, with the remaining project to be completed in 2021.
Over the last ten years, the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority has invested over $60 million into Toledo Express Airport, which includes the rehabilitation of Runway 7-25, Runway 16-34, Taxiways A, B, D, N, the General Aviation Apron, and the Air Cargo Apron.
About Toledo Express Airport
Toledo Express Airport, your local choice for air travel, provides an easy, fast alternative to larger, less convenient airports. Toledo Express offers nonstop service to Orlando Sanford, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda and St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida via Allegiant; and nonstop service to Chicago, Illinois and Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as one-stop service to nearly 200 worldwide destinations when connecting through Chicago or Charlotte via American Airlines.
For additional information, please refer to www.toledoexpress.com, or connect with Toledo Express Airport on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to stay up-to-date on the airport and the air carriers that serve the Northwest Ohio region.
Toledo Express Airport Reports 1.69 Percent Increase in Passenger Traffic for 2019- January 22, 2020
TOLEDO, Ohio, January 22, 2020 – The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority welcomed 2020 with another year of positive growth and momentum at Toledo Express Airport (TOL). The airport closed out 2019 with a 1.69 percent increase in overall passengers for the year. A total of 245,389 passengers flew through TOL in 2019, which helped drive the airport’s seventh consecutive year-over-year increase in passenger traffic and marks the highest passenger total at the airport since 2008.
“The past seven years of continued growth proves there is a market for air travel in Northwest Ohio,” said Thomas J. Winston, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “Year after year, more residents continue to choose their local airport over others. The more we utilize the flights we have, the more airlines will continue to look at the Toledo market as a real contender to add new air service to TOL.”
Allegiant flew 111,888 people to and from four popular Florida destinations in 2019, a 4.27 percent increase over 2018, and 131,267 passengers traveled on American Airlines to Chicago, Charlotte or beyond with a one-stop connection to nearly 200 worldwide destinations. The additional 2,234 passengers flew on charter aircraft, which increased 25.29 percent from the previous year. The airport was also up 17.11 percent for the month of December, as compared to December 2018.
Allegiant’s capacity in the market will increase over the next few months when compared to the same months last year. In 2020, more seats will be available out of Toledo Express Airport; specifically, 4.9 percent more in February, 32.8 percent more in March due to spring break travel, and 5 percent more in April. Additionally, Allegiant has extended its booking calendar through mid-November and flights to St. Pete-Clearwater and Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda are operating year-round with no hiatus this year.
About Toledo Express Airport
Toledo Express Airport, your local choice for fast, easy and convenient air travel, provides an easy alternative to larger, less convenient airports. Parking is available within 50 feet of the terminal and daily parking rates at Toledo Express are just $8 per day compared with more than $20 a day at other airports. Toledo Express offers nonstop service to Orlando Sanford, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda and St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida via Allegiant; and nonstop service to Chicago, Illinois and Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as one-stop service to nearly 200 worldwide destinations when connecting through Chicago or Charlotte via American Airlines.
For additional information, please refer to www.toledoexpress.com, or connect with Toledo Express Airport on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to stay up-to-date on the airport and the air carriers that serve the Northwest Ohio region.