U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and Governor Ted Strickland were among the politicians and community leaders that attended this morning's conference. Continental CEO Larry Kellner says the move will grow the airlines' capacity at Hopkins by 40 percent over a two-year period. The world's fifth-largest airline will launch 50 new flights and add 20 new nonstop destinations by next summer in a three-phase plan that includes nonstop flight service to Paris.
Continental has already committed about 50 million dollars in capital investment and secured another $16 million in state grants and loans. The city of Cleveland's financial contribution appears to be less defined, but Kellner says the city has offered some incentives.
Larry Kellner: The city has established some funds available to all carriers, not just Continental to continue encouragement of growth by reduction of landing fees and other things.
Continental's growth will increase its Cleveland operations by 10 percent from last year. Airport officials are planning more changes at Hopkins. The airport has already completed a new runaway and will improve security checkpoints and concessions in the future.
Tasha Flournoy, 90.3.