Logan International Field, the airport that serves Billings, is destined to grow, with airport officials looking at a $110 million capital improvement plan, including $20 million in projects in 2026. The airport hit a record in passengers served, a trend that is expected to continue, and its leadership is taking a hard look at how the facility will be administered in the future.

Such were some of the unveilings at a Community Air Service Breakfast in Billings, on January 20.

Jeff Roach, Director of Aviation and Transit at the airport, stated that leadership at the airport and in Billings is working to provide more and better service to the community and the area. Adding more flights and “bringing our facilities up to date” is the overall goal, he said, noting that “a lot has changed since 9-11.” The tragedy of that day forced the industry to look at how things were done and to improve facilities.

At the Billings airport, said Roach, they are focused on their infrastructure, “making sure that aircraft have a place to operate.”

John Brewer, President & CEO of the Billings Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that “the airport directly impacts our community.” The airport serves every aspect of Billings’ including  businesses,  healthcare, tourism and communities for the whole of eastern Montana.  The airport is a “point of pride,” said Brewer, explaining that the community has an Air Service Committee, led by Brian Brown, that is focused on improving Billings’ air service.

The Capital Improvement Plan, being prepared by Morrison & Maierle, is about three –fourths completed and expected to be completed by fall. One public hearing has been held to gather community input and another hearing will be held before it is completed.

The master plan is aimed at addressing future aviation demand by enhancing infrastructure, and responding to community needs, as well as maximizing profitability. It was noted that the expansion and remodeling of the airport is being done without the necessity of tax dollars. Revenue for the projects has been generated by tickets sales and enterprise funds.

Roach said that the airport has been self-sufficient since the 1970s.

The facility has, in fact, grown so much and gained such financial stability that it may justify its administration being transferred from the City to an airport authority. The City of Billings approved a $621,000 expenditure to hire a consultant to research the possibility of transitioning the management of Billings Logan International Field from the City to an airport authority. A report is expected in May.

An airport authority is an independent entity charged with the operation and oversight of an airport. Billings is the only major airport in the state that isn’t administered by an authority.

“We anticipate a recommendation to move to an airport authority,” said Rauch, adding that “the traveling public won’t see much of a difference. The change will be in the long term, in becoming more efficient and offering more services at a lower cost.”

A top need for the Billings Airport that is largely recognized by everyone is that of parking. Rauch said that they are short between 250 – 300 parking spaces. The plan is to build a parking garage, which is very expensive, said Rauch – estimated at $31 million. Also in the planning is shuttle parking which is expected to be available by the end of summer.

One of the more immediate projects is the renovation of the ticket counters , which haven’t been changed for the past 30 years. There will be 27 counters which will be moved further to the rear. The baggage area will also be modernized.

A $6 million runway project is also in the immediate plans in order to lengthen and strengthen a segment of runway to handle the larger aircraft.

Another project will be to build a pond to hold storm water for all the airport development. There will also be six additional taxi lanes built to serve the nine new hangers that have been built over the past three years. Rehabilitating cargo ramps, asphalt improvements and water line improvements are also in the plans.

Jay Richardson, a research engineer from Mead & Hunt of Madison, Wisconsin, talked about the ups and downs and trends of the airline industry and how it is impacting Billings. 

The Billings airport hit a new record, serving one million passengers, last year, with the expectation of increasing somewhat above that in 2026. Billings is on the cusp of becoming a small hub airport, said Richardson. It is that growth that is pushing the need for the Billings airport to grow and renovate.

Richardson said that airlines are shifting to larger planes with more seats, providing more comfort and offering more non-stop flights.

Addressing a common lament heard about fares in Billings as compared to Bozeman, Brewer said that the complaints really aren’t justified. Bozeman does offer more nonstop destinations – 25 of them – compared to Billings’ 16 nonstop routes, but Billings’ average airfare is $242 compared to $239 in Bozeman, and to Kalispell’s $238. It’s about the same. Sure, he said, there are chances of finding good deals but in general the fares are pretty much aligned. Airport leadership in Billings is working diligently to increase flight options.

The load factor for Billings flights is at 81 percent, which Richardson said is good. As more seats are added they are being filled which is a “good trend for Billings.”

Los Angeles is a large market that is underserved, said Richardson — in fact California in general is underserved out of Billings.

Going forward, said Richardson, the focus is to expand service to Los Angeles and San Francisco; in general get more seats, depths of schedules and more flights for Billings, and get more service to Boise, Burbank and Orange County – and to enhance marketing in places like Chicago.