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Those flying in on private jets this weekend to attend the University of Notre Dame''s first home football game of the season will find plenty of room to park. Officials gathered Thursday to officially open a 54,000-square-foot general aviation parking ramp on the north side of South Bend International Airport, which was touted for providing ample space for high-traffic weekends. A long ribbon between two jets was cut by officials to mark the completion of the $1.5 million concrete parking ramp, which was built by Goshen-based Rieth-Riley Construction Co. The project was funded by the city''s Redevelopment Commission on behalf of the airport, which is owned and operated by the St. Joseph County Airport Authority. The ramp is leased and operated by Corporate Wings, which began doing business here in December 2015 to become the airport''s second fixed-base operator, joining Atlantic Aviation. The aircraft management companies, both on Lathrop Street, offer services and amenities for corporate jets and other private aircraft. Randall Jones, president and general manager of Corporate Wings, said the aviation ramp will enable the company to provide parking for small and large jets, noting that the concrete is about 15 inches deep. He added it was important that the project, which started in July, be completed in time for Notre Dame''s home opener. About 250 jets are expected at the airport this weekend for the football game, and this will reduce congestion and make it much easier to accommodate that kind of traffic, Jones said. We needed additional parking space so that we wouldn''t cause a conflict with parking for Atlantic Aviation. We can''t have our customers intermingled. The project, which included the installation of lighting and a storm and sewer drainage system, was part of a deal made last year by the airport authority and Corporate Wings to bring the company to the airport. The company, staffed by 14 employees, invested more than $2 million to acquire and renovate the former DHL facility, which includes a passenger lobby, pilot lounge and business center. It also has indoor parking for about 60 vehicles. Mike Daigle, the airport''s executive director, said that having two fixed-base operators has provided more options for travelers with jets. We want the operators to compete and bring additional jobs, he said, adding that more options for corporate jets will be attractive for prospective businesses eyeing the area. This airport is an economic engine, and businesses don''t locate where the corporate jet service isn''t great. For his part, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg praised the project as a reminder that today the currency that cities live and die by is their connectivity and yet another example of what South Bend''s accelerated comeback looks like. |
