Commercial Service Award | Video

Rene Thibault | 3/7/2013

Minot International Airport has again added to their long list of accomplishments. They`ve been recognized by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission for their hard work in 2012.

“I think it acknowledges that we have a great team. This is truly a team effort and what we had done in 2012 reflects all of that”, said Andy Solsvig, Director for the Minot International Airport.

“It`s all like Andy said, a team that puts everything together here at the airport. From safety, security and all the construction that`s been going on”, added JD Karhoff, the Airports Operational Manager.

It was that team effort that earned Minot International Airport the 2012 Commercial Service Airport of the year award. It’s an award given to airports that excel in maintaining safety, project management, and community awareness.

“I think it’s good for the passengers to see that we were acknowledged as one of the better ones in the state for our airports, and the things we do here considering safety and things that go into a complete airport operation,” stated Karhoff.

In just three years, Minot International boarding numbers soared from 66,000 in 2009 to 224,000 in 2012. That`s a 49 percent increase from just the previous year. “That`s pretty remarkable, and I know we`re going to see more increases in other Western airports as well as ours, I think we`re going to continue to see double digit increases here in Minot,” said Solsvig.

One of the biggest accomplishments for Minot International during 2012 was a Terminal Area Study. The study helped airport staff and the city decide that it was time for the airport to look into a new terminal. And the plans are starting to come together. “Our architects did a wonderful job of tying in the local community into this new facility and we`re proud to say that the design will be completed in about two months,” declared Solsvig.

A new terminal, new runways, and many other airport improvement projects are sure to keep Minot International a strong contender for many more awards in the years to come.

This was the second Commercial Service award they`ve won in three years, and their fifth all-time.

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