February 12, 2024
In honor of celebrating Black History Month, we recognize Eugene J. Bullard (1895-1961), the first African American military pilot and the only African American pilot in World War I.
Bullard was born in Columbus, Georgia, and enlisted in the French Foreign Legion in 1914, beginning flight training shortly after. He participated in multiple tours in World War I & II, and he received many honors throughout his lifetime, including becoming a knight of the Legion of Honor.
For more information on Eugene Jacques Bullard, please visit Eugene J. Bullard | National Air and Space Museum (si.edu)
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.
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
March 8, 2023
In our continued celebration of Women’s History Month, we recognize Helen Richey (1909-1947), the first woman to earn an instructor’s license and the first woman to fly mail on a regular schedule in the United States.
Richey earned her pilot’s license in 1930 and within her first few years as a licensed pilot, she set many records and placed in several races, including one as a co-pilot to Amelia Earhart. In 1934, she began working with Central Airlines, where she piloted an airmail transport on a regular schedule, but soon left due to unfair working conditions. In 1940, Richey earned an instructor’s license and taught at Pittsburgh-Butler Airport.
For more information on Helen Richey, please visit https://www.historynet.com/hometown-heroine-helen-richey/
March 1, 2023
In honor of celebrating Women’s History Month, we recognize Bobbi Trout (1906-2003), the fifth woman in the United States to receive a pilot’s license.
Trout is remembered for breaking many records. In 1929, she set a world record for the longest solo flight completed by a woman. This record was beat by Elinor Smith, which encouraged Trout to try again, beating Smith’s record, and creating a healthy competition between the two. The two joined forces and became the first female pilots to refuel an aircraft mid-air. Additionally, Trout set a flight endurance record and the record for reaching the highest altitude in a light aircraft.
Trout is also remembered for the creation of the Women’s Air Reserve, which provided medical aid to victims of disaster.
For more information on Bobbi Trout, please visit: https://www.ninety-nines.org/bobbi-trout.htm
February 27, 2023
In our continued celebration of Black History Month, we recognize Bessie Coleman (1892-1926), the first African American woman, and first woman of Native American descent, to receive a pilot’s license.
Coleman completed flight training at the Caudron Brothers School of Aviation in France, and also trained with veteran war pilots in France as well as Germany. She received an international pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in 1921.
Coleman is best known for performing tricks, and in New York in 1922, she went down in history as the first African American woman to perform a public flight. She quickly became popular in the United States and in Europe. Coleman died in a plane crash in 1926 at the age of 34.
For more information on Bessie Coleman, please visit https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/bessie-coleman
February 13, 2023
In our continued celebration of Black History Month, we recognize Guion ‘Guy’ Bluford, the first African American to travel to space.
Bluford was accepted into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) space program in 1978, previously having served as an Air Force pilot in Vietnam. In 1983, he served as the mission specialist for mission STS-8 aboard the Challenger and became the first African American to travel into space.
In 1997, Bluford was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame and in 2010, he joined the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.
For more information on Guion ‘Guy’ Bluford, please visit https://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/workinginspace/bluford_1st_african_amer.html
February 1, 2023
In honor of celebrating Black History Month, we recognize James Herman Banning (1899-1933), the first African American to receive a pilot’s license by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and one of the first African American pilots to fly across the United States.
Banning learned to fly privately from an army aviator after having repeatedly been turned away from flight schools because of his race. However, he made history in 1932 with his co-pilot, Thomas C. Allen, as the first African American pilots to fly coast-to-coast in the United States.
Banning enjoyed performing in air shows and would often transport political officials. His most well-known passenger was Oscar Depriest, the first African American elected to serve in Congress. Banning died during a stunt performance at an air show in San Diego in 1933.
For more information on James Herman Banning, please visit https://blackthen.com/james-banning-first-black-male-aviator-receive-pilots-license/
September 8, 2022
As the summer heat dissipates and the brisk autumn weather rolls in, what better time to 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 fall.
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!
Visit Phoenix’s walkable arts district for a mix of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries and more! Additionally, the district is known for its impeccable street art and wide variety of murals, which will make the perfect backdrop for your next cover photo!
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!
Spend the day outdoors at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy to hike through the cacti forests and see more than 950 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, Summer Breeze Social Club, and Rustler’s Rooste.
Phoenix is home to a number of sports teams including NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, and MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks. 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! Flights return October 5, 2022. Book now at allegiant.com.
This additional cargo activity is largely due to the launch of Amazon Air’s Toledo Gateway in March 2021. The Gateway currently operates two daily flights out of TOL, supporting fast, free shipping for Amazon customers in Ohio and throughout the region. The operation, which is managed and ground handled by Amazon logistics partner Worldwide Freight Services, employs more than 100 people at the airport.
InterJet West, a woman-owned business with over 25 years of experience, launched operations at TOL in 2014, as an on-demand air cargo service for the manufacturing industry. Due to the success that it has realized at TOL over the past eight years, the company recently expanded its operations by leasing a third hangar at the Airport. InterJet West employs 57 people at TOL, with plans to hire an additional 30 employees, as the company continues to grow its footprint at the airport.
Fixed-Based Operators National Flight Services and Grand Aire also handle cargo at TOL. Grand Aire, has the capability to load and unload cargo from any aircraft type. The organization operates its own loading equipment and offers temporary warehousing. Grand Aire’s cargo operation has increased 140% since 2020 in day-to-day operations.
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
August 18, 2022
The stats are in for the first half of the year and Allegiant is up 48% in 2022 versus 2021!
Approximately 72,000 people chose to fly Allegiant from January through June this year. March was the highest month on record for Allegiant with a total of nearly 19,000 passengers flying through TOL in a single month!
THANK YOU to everyone who continues to support their local airport!
Fly nonstop and escape the cold!
Book your flight today at allegiant.com.
June 23, 2021
It’s summer patio season in Chicago, which means it's time to pack your bags, grab your friends, and hop on a nonstop flight on American Airlines out of TOL for a weekend getaway!
Check out these 8 patios you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
Located on the Navy Pier, Offshore is the nation’s largest rooftop location. Stop here for a variety of food options, drinks, games, and unforgettable views of the skyline and Lake Michigan.
Click here to view the menu.
Head over to Roscoe Village to enjoy a Mediterranean meal on Le Sud’s sidewalk or rooftop patios!
Click here to view the menu.
Head over to Truth for a filling breakfast before you start your day, or end your day here with a delicious Italian meal, all while dining on their covered patio.
Click here to view the breakfast menu.
Click here to view the dinner menu.
Enjoy American cuisine at Park and Field, an old garage turned restaurant! The venue contains a 6,000 sq. ft. patio equipped with fire pits and entertainment.
Click here to view the menu.
Grab a spot at NoMi Kitchen’s outdoor garden lounge and enjoy fresh sushi, sharable plates, and seafood towers on the iconic North Michigan Avenue.
Click here to view the menu.
Enjoy a relaxing, casual night eating your choice of classic, or creative-style pizzas in Old Town or Wrigleyville!
Click here to view the menu.
Head over to Wicker Park to enjoy Filipino cuisine! Don’t leave before trying their crowd-favorite halo-halo shaved ice dessert!
Click here to view the menu.
Located in Chinatown, this popular dim sum venue offers both indoor and outdoor patio seating!
Click here to view the menu.
Your unforgettable Chicago vacation is just one flight away and Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport can get you there on American Airlines. Book your flight today at AA.com! Click here for more Chicago restaurants with patios, rooftops, and more.
May 24, 2021
Eugene F. Kranz was born in Toledo, Ohio, on August 17, 1933, and is a graduate of Central Catholic High School. His interest in space flight developed at a young age and was first recognized when he wrote his high school thesis about the potential of flying a single-stage rocket to the moon.
Mr. Kranz joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1960 as one of the original Project Mercury assistant flight directors. Throughout his career at NASA, he was deeply involved in developing the flight control operations for U.S. operated space flights and contributed many groundbreaking accomplishments that have assisted the development of the space program and our growing knowledge in the field of space and aeronautics. Most notably, he played a crucial role in the Apollo program and acted as the flight director for the first lunar landing, Apollo 11, in 1969. He also served as the flight director for Apollo 13 and played a pivotal role in efforts to return the rocket and three astronauts safely to Earth amid an explosion disabling the spacecraft when it was en route to the Moon in 1970. After a long, successful career with NASA, Mr. Kranz retired in 1994.Mr. Kranz rightfully earned his place in history as one of the handful of individuals responsible for leading some of the nation’s greatest accomplishments in space. He has been recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian award, and has been honored with four Presidential Ranking awards, the highest recognition a U.S. Civil Service employee can receive.
In 2020, Toledo Express Airport underwent a name change to Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport. Join us on our Facebook page or at toledoexpress.com/eugenefkranz for a Renaming and Dedication Ceremony honoring Eugene F. Kranz on Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m. EST!
Photos courtesy of NASA
May 5, 2021
Are you looking to plan an outdoor adventure this summer? We can get you there!
Discover the natural wonders and remarkable landscape of one of the most beautiful locations in the nation. Check out these six U.S. National Parks you can visit with a one-stop connection on American Airlines out of Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL).
Enter to win a roundtrip airline ticket out of TOL to any of the six destinations listed below. Twelve winners will be randomly chosen and will also receive an annual park pass! Click here to enter. Sweepstake ends May 19, 2021. Restrictions apply. Visit toledoexpress.com/contests to review sweepstake rules and regulations and for more information!
Nestled in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is known for its gorgeous meadows, glacial lakes, and of course, its rugged mountains. Explore over 700 miles of trails and when you cannot hike any longer, sit back and enjoy the scenic views on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
This Colorado national park has a little something for all interests and skill levels. Enjoy over 300 miles of hiking trails, take a drive on the famous Trail Ridge Road and the Old Fall River Road to popular overlooks to experience incredible views, or pack a lunch to enjoy a quiet picnic in the park.
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
Imagine waking up to the sound of the birds and the wind, while surrounded by the world’s largest trees. You do not have to imagine it when you camp or lodge at Sequoia National Park! Whether you are interested in hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, or relaxing and watching the wildlife, there is an adventure for everyone!
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
Explore the magic of Yellowstone’s thermal basins. It is estimated that over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including hot springs, geysers and mudpots, are active in this park. Yellowstone also has nearly 1,000 miles of hiking trails, exciting wildlife to see, and bike paths to explore!
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
Yosemite may be best known for its magnificent waterfalls; however, there are also many other treasures to explore such as valleys, giant sequoias, meadows, vast wildlife, and more! Yosemite is also home to famous rock formations including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Glacier Point.
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
Enjoy the different hues of pink, cream, and red of the massive sandstone cliffs at Zion National Park! There are multiple trails that range from scenic walks of less than a mile to multi-day hikes. Interested in the rich history of the first native people and pioneers to inhabit the park? Check out the Human History Museum!
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
Your unforgettable vacation is only a connecting flight away out of Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport on American Airlines! Click here to enter now to win!
April 23, 2021
Looking for a weekend vacation spot this summer? Look no further! The Windy City is full of fun activities for all ages! Check out these 6 activities that will be sure to have you packing your bags!
Put on your sunscreen and hit the water on a guided kayak tour of Chicago! Experience the skyline, architecture, and Chicago sunset like you never have before. If you’re looking for a challenge, you can choose to complete the tour on a stand-up paddleboard!
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
Spend an afternoon at Chicago’s largest park and enjoy the gardens, gorgeous views, and free zoo! Lincoln Park Zoo offers daily activities including seal training, penguin encounters, a train adventure, and more! Reservations are required. Click here to learn more.
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
Whether you are planning a romantic evening or looking for an adventure for the entire family, the breathtaking city views you will experience on the Chicago Sunset Cruise will be enjoyed by all!
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
Discover the wonders of the sea at the Shedd Aquarium by getting eye-to-eye with animals including beluga whales, sea lions, sea otters, green sea turtles, and more! Whatever your age or interests, this will surely be one of your favorite stops!
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
Are you looking to see the city in a way that also gets you up and moving? Explore the Windy City on a guided bike tour! Bobby’s Bike Hike offers a variety of tours for all skill levels and ages including local attraction tours, neighborhood tours, and food tours. Not feeling it? Skip the bikes and schedule a walking tour!
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
6. Field Museum
Whether you are interested in dinosaurs, birds, plants, Ancient Egypt, biology, Africa, meteorites, and more, the museum has something for everyone to discover! The Field Museum is also home to SUE, the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex remains discovered to date.
Click here to view COVID-19 protocols.
Your unforgettable Chicago family vacation is just one flight away and Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport can get you there on American Airlines. Book your flight today at AA.com!
Orlando, Florida
Punta Gorda, Florida
Fort Myers, Florida
Clearwater, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
March 29, 2021
The pandemic has left many of us longing to visit a warm, sandy beach, lace up our hiking boots to explore new terrain, or indulge in the food and culture of an unfamiliar place. If this sounds like you, look no further than Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL) to begin planning your next trip. Your local airport can easily get you from your doorstep to your destination when you’re ready to travel again.
Did you know you can fly to nearly200 worldwide destinations on a one-stop connecting flight on American Airlines? Plan your next vacation to domestic destinations such as Las Vegas, New York City, Charleston, or Phoenix. Discover the history, traditions, and local cuisine of somewhere new on your next vacation!
TOL also offers nonstop flights on Allegiant to popular vacation destinations in Florida, including Orlando Sanford, St. Pete-Clearwater, and Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda. Whether you are in the mood to enjoy an afternoon relaxing on the beach, swim with dolphins, or visit one of the many theme parks, TOL can get you there.
Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport is dedicated to making your travel experience through the airport as fast, easy and convenient as possible. Parking is available within 50 feet of the terminal and daily parking rates are just $8 per day when compared to more than $20 a day at other airports.
Remember to check TOL, because we can get you there! For more information on your local airport, visit toledoexpress.com, and book your next unforgettable vacation today on American Airlines or Allegiant through Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport by visiting aa.com or allegiant.com.