Fiscal year 2008 brings with it a new chairman of the board for the Wayne
County Airport Authority. Last year’s Vice-Chairman David Treadwell, who was
appointed to the board in December 2002 by then Michigan Gov. John Engler,
has replaced Michael Glusac at the helm of the seven-member board. The
University of Michigan graduate is president and CEO of EaglePicher
Corporation, which operates in automotive, defense, space, commercial power
and medical sectors worldwide.
Metro Connections had the following conversation with Treadwell...
METRO CONNECTIONS: Serving on the board of the Wayne County Airport
Authority requires a substantial amount of time and effort. What is it about
Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Willow Run Airport that motivates you to
volunteer for this duty?
DAVID TREADWELL: Personally, I believe in the importance of supporting my
community. As a life-long resident of southeast Michigan, I have spent my
fair share of time at our airports and understand the importance of
providing a positive experience for travelers.
From a business perspective, I understand the importance of Detroit
Metropolitan Airport as a crossroads of commerce. The ability to efficiently
move business and leisure travelers as well as components and products to
approximately 160 non-stop destinations is a key ingredient in the region’s
prospects for economic prosperity.
The airport generates jobs and stimulation for our economy by simply
operating efficiently. More than 18,000 people work at the airports and a
University of Michigan-Dearborn study concluded that the operation of
Detroit Metro stimulates a total of 71,000 jobs across the state of Michigan
and an annual economic impact of $7.6 billion. Willow Run provides an
important cargo link. U of M-Dearborn calculated its overall economic impact
at 2,000 jobs and $200 million statewide.
METRO CONNECTIONS: Since the Airport Authority has assumed control, it seems
that keeping costs in line has been more of a priority.
DAVID TREADWELL: The authority is less encumbered by government bureaucracy
and has the advantage of operating the airports in a more business-like
fashion. Wayne County had the foresight to plan and build dramatic
improvements such as a second crosswind runway and fourth parallel runway,
as well as the beautiful McNamara Terminal, new access road, hotel and
parking facilities. However, we have nurtured a more efficient and
business-like management approach, dramatically reducing costs to the
airlines. Lower costs have encouraged the existing carriers to add service
and new carriers to enter our market, providing competition and more choices
for our customers.
METRO CONNECTIONS: And the Airport Authority is building too.
DAVID TREADWELL: Yes. Runway safety area upgrades at Willow Run and a
project to completely re-build a parallel runway at Detroit Metro was
completed last November. Everyone can see the great progress being made on
the new North Terminal which will open this fall. That terminal will give
the airlines currently operating out of the Smith and Berry Terminals a much
more efficient and attractive base of operations. For instance, its linear
design means that taxiing aircraft between runways and gates will save the
airlines two precious commodities: time and jet fuel. Customers will find
the new terminal simpler to navigate with better concessions and services.
METRO CONNECTIONS: And beyond that?
DAVID TREADWELL: We are currently studying a master plan which looks out as
far as 20 to 25 years into the future. Even with a modest average annual
growth rate of 2.3 percent, Detroit Metro Airport would handle an equivalent
number of passengers to that being handled today by airports like Dallas/Ft.
Worth and Los Angeles. With good long-range planning, we will be ready to
accept that growth as well as the jobs and economic prosperity that will
come along with it. I cannot over-emphasize the critical importance of a
growing and smoothly operating major hub airport and a complementary cargo
and general aviation airport for the future success of our local economy.
