Three airports are located in Saginaw County with MBS
International Airport being the largest. MBS is serviced by
Northwest Airlines and United Airlines. The
carriers link to major hubs in Detroit, Chicago, New York and Minneapolis. Theairport, located
in a rural setting, provided air travel services to more than 304,000
people in 2008.
The airport has significant growth potential
given its rural setting, regional central location and planned
infrastructure investments. The airport’s
cargo transit routes are also key supply linkages and distribution paths
for many area businesses. MBS had more than 404,000 pounds of air
carried cargo in 2008.
A recent study indicated that MBS International Airport
adds $100 million a year to the region’s economy. It includes wages,
salaries, tax receipts, commerce and investment that are in part or
wholly linked to MBS.
Airport planners
have launched the design phase of a $50 million project to build a new,
larger terminal building at the airport. The new building, about 75,000
square feet or 10,000 square feet larger than the existing structure, is
expected to be complete by 2012, and funded mostly by state and federal
grants.
Everything from
where concessions are located to baggage screening and customer
processing areas will be revamped for the new terminal building. There
also will be a new entrance and parking lot. Dow Corning Corp. has
already built a new, larger private hangar for its two corporate jets
that fly out of MBS.
Additional charter and fixed wing base services are provided in Saginaw
County by Harry W. Browne Airport in Buena Vista Charter Township and
the William Tiny Zehnder Field in
Frankenmuth.
Harry W. Browne Airport is looking forward to increased access and
marketability through two new projects. Its new Instrument Landing
System (ILS) allows airplanes to land in less than ideal visual
conditions through the use of navigation instruments. With the ILS in
place, the airport seeks to attract additional corporate business and/or
convince a fixed based operator to locate at the facility. The airport
has also expanded and upgraded its apron and taxiways.
