Capital Region International Airport outlines growth plans, workforce partnerships

Nicole Naul Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Capital Region International Airport Authority, gave the Eaton County Board of Commissioners a broad update Nov. 19, laying out priorities to retain and expand passenger service, grow cargo operations, ready land for development and support corporate and general aviation.

Williams said the airport sits on just over 2,000 acres across three counties and generates what she described as a “billion-dollar economic impact” for the region. She told commissioners the authority employs about 42–43 staff, while more than 700 people have badge access to work at airport-related facilities and tenants such as UPS, airlines and TSA.

The presentation highlighted workforce partnerships with Lansing Community College’s aviation technology program, which Williams said has operated roughly 65 years and produces about 50 graduates a year, with many students receiving multiple job offers. “If anything, they’re looking at how do they expand and focus on different areas of aviation,” Williams said, noting efforts to add training for electric aircraft and drone technology.

Williams also described cargo growth tied to UPS and a US Postal Service contract, saying the airport handles large volumes of freight and benefits from a central location that is roughly 90 minutes from 90% of the state’s population. She noted a cargo ramp expansion and partnerships with carriers such as Martin Air and Ameriflight.

On innovation, Williams named Beta Technologies — which is developing electric fixed-wing and eVTOL aircraft — as a partner and said the airport has secured an electric aircraft charging unit. “Think of your Tesla charger…for electric airplanes,” she said, adding the airport is positioning utilities and infrastructure to support those aircraft once federal approvals and market readiness align.

Williams described a new ground-transport partnership with CATA to provide shuttle service between the airport and East Lansing for $1.25, and said a booking widget to compare fares should appear on flylansing.com before year’s end. She closed by summarizing master-plan work on runways, aprons and potential light-manufacturing sites aimed at preparing the airport for 20–30 years of growth.

Commissioners praised aviation career initiatives and asked about renaming, expanded service and community outreach; Williams said renaming is not a current priority because of the substantial cost and that the authority is focused on increasing ridership to justify new routes. The presentation concluded with thanks and no formal action by the board.