Airport News

Green, OH: History unfolded at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) as US Airways kicked off nonstop service this week between Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) and CAK on Sunday with the first inaugural flight. On Monday, a community celebration was held to commemorate the new service launch.

"Today we celebrate a dream fulfilled by gaining not only our highest-requested route to D.C. but direct access to our nation's capital," said Rick McQueen, President & CEO. "Washington Reagan was a vital missing link in the offerings from CAK and now Northeast Ohioans will be able to reach this destination without a long drive to a distant airport. Of course, we have to thank US Airways, the U.S. Department of Transportation, our hard working congressional delegation and the whole community for helping make this dream a reality."

The community celebration reflected the spirit of Washington, D.C. with patriotic stars and stripes, and red, white and blue decorations throughout the terminal.Plus, one of our nation's important presidents, Abraham Lincoln, made a special surprise appearance, delighting guests and passengers with his eloquent speeches and commemorative gifts.

To further celebrate the new service, the airport selected Jim McFadden of Olmsted Falls and his 11-year-old sister, Julia, as winners of the "Dream Day in DC" contest. The siblings flew on the inaugural flight to live out their dream day in DC. Jim's winning entry said he wanted to show his sister "our nation's capital and hopefully inspire her to become as excited about the democratic process and rich history we have here in these United States as I am."

Photos of the DC celebration will be available today on CAK's Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/akroncantonairport/. Jim and Julia's Dream Day in DC video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/akroncantonairport.

About Akron-Canton Airport

Akron-Canton Airport kicked off CAK 2018, its 10-year, $110-million Capital Improvement Plan in 2008. The plan is the most ambitious in the airport's 63-year history and includes a 600 ft. runway extension allowing full-sized jets to reach the west coast, Caribbean and Mexico. Other projects include a Customs and Border Patrol Facility, extended upper level concourse and the construction of Port Green, an industrial park that could bring more than 1,000 high paying jobs to northeast Ohio.View all of CAK's social media ventures -- on Twitter at Twitter.com/cakairport; Facebook at http://groups.to/akroncantonairport/, and YouTube at YouTube.com/akroncantonairport. Photos of CAK are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/akroncantonairport/. Additional information including flight reservations, driving instructions, and relaxation station is available at www.akroncantonairport.com, CAK's comprehensive web portal. Akron-Canton Airport a better way to go®.

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