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“Aviation sits at the intersection of transportation, economics, public policy and community impact.”These words of Cathyrn Stephens, airport director of the Eugene, Oregon airport, strike a chord that expresses what every citizen needs to think about as the Frederick Douglass – Greater Rochester International Airport approaches the celebration of one hundred years of commercial operation.
Ms. Stephens further believes that the best airport experience, as she says, involves, “Convenience, ease of travel and a welcoming environment.”Let us take a moment to consider each of these elements relative to the growth and success of our own community.
TRANSPORTATION: While we’ve had our ups and downs (no pun intended), transportation has been a major element in the growth of the Rochester area. Before the Erie Canal, access for those living on the east coast to points west of the Appalachian Mountain Chain was best accomplished through one of two major points (Southern Maryland and Central New York State). While it took many days to travel the rough trails through the Mohawk Valley to the West, this was at least doable. With the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, Rochester grew quickly from an isolated village of about 13,000 people to become a major player along the canal route for the movement of materials, supplies and products to and from America’s inlands. Rochester emerged into a thriving city. As a result of the rushing water of the Genesee River and the mills it powered, the city became the leading flour manufacturing center in America. The positive outcome of the Erie Canal marked the beginning of Rochester’s success in Western New York.
Moving forward to the birth of aviation at the beginning of the 20th century, with Glenn Curtiss leading the way in Hammondsport, the flying machine caught the attention of Rochester’s citizens. Though aerial stunts, wing walking and barn storming piqued the crowds’ interest, the potential for a new airmail service by the United States Postal Service more importantly raised awareness among Rochester businesses.
The City purchased land for an airport in 1921 when the United States Postal Service announced plans for the delivery of long distance mail by air. But, city mayors held back necessary development until the Post Office finalized its plans. For seven years the Chamber of Commerce hammered the City’s mayors to fund the project. It wasn’t until 1928 that the City authorized funds for the airport’s development. On June 1, 1928 Colonial Western Airways made its first commercial stop at Britton Field in Rochester.
Over the years our airport has been an important instrument in the area’s growth, providing both full service takeoff and landing facilities and modern state-of-the-art passenger terminals close-in and convenient to city center.
ECONOMICS: The airport is a key factor in the economic growth of our community. Aside from, and in addition to, maximizing the assets of the physical plant (ie: airfield, terminals and service buildings), cooperation with both the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Rochester helps to identify the changing needs of our industries and the mixture of hospitality and recreational services made available for incoming visitors. Through the efforts of a combined workforce of nearly 10,000 people, the airport generates an economic impact of $295 million in income each year and contributes $800 million to the local economy each year. Its success provides a ripple effect that helps to stabilize the service industry and advance production from our manufacturing firms. (See: Monroe County Airport Authority Annual Public Authority Report – 2025)
PUBLIC POLICY: Your airport is part of a system of governments and public policy makers from federal, state and local levels. Operated as an enterprise account where a variety of income streams offset operating expenses, the airport long ago became self-sufficient and ceased to be a tax burden on local residents. Capital projects relating to construction, upkeep and large equipment are funded, in part, by a portion of individual passenger tickets and part by federal and state capital improvement funds dedicated for the maintenance of public infrastructure. In addition, a network of airport managers at the state and federal levels meet, compare notes and promote standards that maintain the safety and convenience of the traveling public.
COMMUNITY: The success of our airport is, to be honest, a two-way street to some extent. There are some who express concern about the high cost of travel from our fair city and the seeming lack of popular nonstop destinations. Truth be told, this situation is not unlike the age-old “chicken and egg” question. Constant efforts are made to attract and draw in new airlines and to improve destinations. Yet, at the same time, nearly 30% of our local airline travelers elect to fly out of nearby airports. Too frequently this results in the decision of potential tenant airlines to bypass Rochester when considering route adjustments. A community-wide effort to support our local airlines can and will result in the desired improvements. Besides, it is so much easier to fly local and, some might say, worth the expense.
As communities grow across the Country, we see their old familiar airports being rebuilt at the outer edge of their population centers. Your hometown airport, on the other hand, serves the Greater Rochester Metropolitan Area with the finest of up-to-date facilities just a hop, skip and jump away. With state-of-the-art technology, hometown citizens who work in the industry provide comfortable and safe air travel services for their fellow residents and greet our visitors in hundreds of known and unknown ways.
For nearly one hundred years, ever since 1928, the City of Rochester and Monroe County have led the way to first class aviation services that, in the words of Eugene, Oregon’s airport director, Cathyrn Stephens, provide an airport experience that offers“Convenience, ease of travel and a welcoming environment.”
Rick Iekel
The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. See “Leave a Reply” below to discuss on this post. Comments of a general nature may be submitted to the Letters page by emailing [email protected].
That Cathryn is one smart woman! I couldn’t agree with her more. Thank you for sharing this story.
I hear you, Kevin. While in college I took on a third part time job to make enough money for flying lessons. I was able to fly just long enough to solo twice. Then life took over and there was no money left for flying. The important thing to remember, in my mind, is how valuable that experience was and to keep that potential open for the younger generation to have their chance at the experience.
Thank you for sharing.
Fifty years ago I learned to fly before I learned to drive. After WWII my father learned to fly from Ray Hyland. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for airports. I just wish general aviation wasn’t so expensive.