Village Profile® Home Page | About our Company | Sales Opportunities | Community eStore | vpmobile.us®

Eppley Airfield - A Strong Economic Engine

A significant economic engine for the city of Omaha is Eppley Airfield, a medium hub commercial service airport.

Interstates 29 and 80 support Eppley’s service area. Passengers drive from as far as the Quad Cities in Iowa, Rapid City, S.D., Worthington, Minn., Northern Missouri and Kansas to take advantage of multiple airlines, 16 non-stop destinations and competitive fares. Along with efficient access to Eppley, passengers benefit from three low-cost carriers: Southwest, Frontier and U.S. Airways. Eppley has five additional national air carrier groups: American, Continental, Delta, Midwest and United.

The resulting competition and the number of markets served by these airlines has supported and fostered business growth in Omaha and throughout the six-state region. When Gallup established its headquarters in 2000 it cited air service as one of the reasons it chose Omaha for its new campus, which is located approximately two miles from Eppley. Several businesses have relocated or expanded in an industrial park corridor near the airport, including AmSan, Lozier, Renze Display, John Day, Modern Sound and Airlite Plastics. Qwest Center Omaha is located between the airport and downtown Omaha. Eppley’s proximity and service level have contributed to the development of these business and entertainment venues.

Development of the facilities at Eppley Airfield has been a continuing process for the Omaha Airport Authority who owns and operates the airport. The terminal today is composed of two concourses with 21 gates. The airport has three commercial runways, six Instrument

Landing Systems and sits on 2,700 acres of land. The construction of two parking garage additions in 2008 resulted in 750 more parking stalls.

Since 1983, over $320 million has been invested into expansion and renovation of the airport. Currently, Eppley is involved in one of the largest airfield construction projects in its history. The authority is in the process of reconstructing several runways with the capability to serve the airport well into the future. Portions of the project have qualified for ARRA stimulus package money; Eppley is the first airport in the country to receive such a stimulus grant.

While the economy has affected passengers’ travel plans, the authority remains pleased with the strength of the Omaha market when compared to other markets in our region. This minimal effect is a result of the number of carriers who operate at Eppley, resulting in competition and low fares for travelers. The economy in Greater Omaha has remained strong when compared with other areas of the country and has played a significant role in the vitality of Eppley.

In October 2008, the authority finalized its Terminal Development Plan designed to utilize the current facility in the future through modifications and facility expansion. A comprehensive terminal expansion is years away and will be based on 4.5 million enplanements.

Eppley Airfield is positioned to continue to serve as a strong economic engine for Greater Omaha and to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers for years to come.