When a new nonstop flight is announced at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, it may feel like it simply appeared on the schedule. But bringing new flights to Cleveland, and keeping the service we already have, takes research, planning and strong relationships with the people making those decisions.
That work often happens far beyond the terminal.
CLE leaders and employees regularly meet with airlines, government agencies, regulators and other aviation partners. These conversations help ensure Cleveland is represented when decisions are being made that could affect our airport, our passengers and the future of air travel in Northeast Ohio.
Simply put, CLE needs to be in the room.
New Flights Don’t Just Happen
Airlines decide where to fly and how often based on passenger demand, a route’s performance, available aircraft and opportunities across their entire network.
That means Cleveland is competing with cities across the country for new and expanded service.
CLE’s air service development team uses passenger data and information about the region to make the case for Cleveland. The team meets directly with airline planners to discuss potential routes, strengthen existing service and highlight what Northeast Ohio has to offer.
These relationships matter beyond the airport. More nonstop flights can make Cleveland more attractive to businesses, visitors, conventions and people considering moving to or investing in the region.
“Our business leaders strongly support CLE’s efforts and recognize the airport’s important role in our region’s success. For Greater Cleveland to accelerate growth, we need more direct connections to markets across the country and around the world. When CLE leaders engage directly with airline decision-makers, they build the relationships needed to expand air service, attract investment and create new opportunities for businesses across our region."
Baiju Shah
President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Destination Cleveland also sees strong airline relationships as an important part of growing the region’s visitor economy
“By attracting new air service partners and expanding routes with existing providers, Cleveland can strengthen its connectivity, support tourism and business growth and create broader economic opportunities for our region. When we’re competing to get people to say yes to Cleveland, which is the core of air service development, trust and relationships are essential. Building that trust happens more naturally and effectively through in-person experiences with airline and aviation partners."
David Gilbert
President and CEO, Destination Cleveland
The Work Goes Beyond Flights
Keeping Cleveland connected is only one part of running a major commercial airport.
CLE employees also work with federal agencies, other airports and aviation organizations on safety, security, technology, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, business development and changing federal requirements.
Industry meetings, conferences and training give employees opportunities to learn what is changing, see how other airports are solving similar challenges and bring useful ideas back to Cleveland.
Who participates depends on the topic and the airport’s business needs. An operations employee may attend training focused on airfield safety, while someone working in finance, engineering, technology or commercial development may meet with experts and partners in those areas.
The goal is the same: to make informed decisions and keep CLE prepared for what is ahead.
Why Showing Up Matters
A major airport cannot operate in isolation. The relationships CLE builds throughout the aviation industry help the airport compete for flights, respond to new requirements, plan for the future and learn from what is working elsewhere.
As CLE continues serving today’s passengers and advancing CLEvolution, Cleveland needs a voice in the places where aviation relationships are built and important decisions are made.
Being part of those conversations helps keep Cleveland competitive, connected and ready for the future.
