SAVANNAH, Georgia (WSAV) – As the travel industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport continues its expansion projects.
The city council approved nearly $ 7 million contracts for improvement and expansion projects, including the rental car facility improvement project and paint and sign replacement. Two larger projects, the expansion of the security checkpoint and the terminal hall, are entering the final design phase.
Lori Lynah, an airport spokeswoman, told WSAV News 3 that these projects could take three to four years after construction begins.
In 2019, 14.8 million people visited Savannah, according to the Chamber of Commerce. For Joe Marinelli, President of Visit Savannah, the airport experience is important – considering it’s the first thing visitors see.
“Visitors from all over the country – and now really from all over the world – always compliment us on our airport experience,” said Marinelli. “The rocking chairs, the interpretation of the squares, a little bit of Savannah, a little bit of Hilton Head. It’s really a great experience when visitors come to town. “
Before the pandemic, the airport brought in three million passengers and more than $ 37 million in revenue, according to the 2019 annual report.
In an effort to bring more revenue to the city, Marinelli’s division is shifting more advertising to flying visitors.
“Today we are spending more money than ever in places like New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, etc.,” he said. “We really want to lift this flying visitor and attract more people. These are the people who have more money to spend when they travel. “
Marinelli estimates that up to 50% of visitors travel through the airport. He hopes that the airport’s expansion and improvement projects will further increase this number.
“It’s about runways, freight and international, but they never lost sight or focus to ensure that the overall visitor experience is positive,” said Marinelli.
Earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allocated more than $ 11 million to the airport for cargo operations. Lynn told News 3 that the project is expected to be completed in 2023.
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