CVG @ Work: Air Service Development

An air service development strategy is a critical piece of an airport business plan. CVG’s passenger and cargo growth is a direct reflection of successful execution of air service development. CVG's team is an extension of the overall economic development of the Cincinnati region – marketing the area and its assets to encourage business, continued job growth and community access to vital transportation. This team works with both passenger and cargo carriers to identify and communicate opportunity for establishing operations and/or growing current operations out of CVG. 

Air Service Initiatives

In order to support the airport’s overall objectives and deliver value in air service development to our region, CVG Air Service Development aims to successfully execute the following initiatives:

  • Achieve a balance of carrier mix that provides service options and lower airfares for customers
  • Add non-stop international destinations to CVG route map
  • Meet market demand for target non-stop domestic routes
  • Grow the cargo footprint to ensure business diversification
  • Create opportunities for job growth and resulting economic impact

Convenient & Central Location

CVG's regional geographic position is central to more than 11 million people within 120 mile radius of the airport enabling convenient access to both passengers and logistics.  More than 60% of the US population can be reached within an hour flight of CVG. 

CVG Air Service Development is a partner and extension of the economic development effort for the region, working in conjunction with REDI, Tri-ED, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, state economic development divisions, and other key stakeholders.

 

 

Airfield & Campus Attributes

As one of the US's top ten largest airports in acreage, CVG has 7,700 acres of land in Northern Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio.  There are 4 runways at CVG:  18R/36L with 8,000 feet / 18C/36C with 11,000 feet / 18L / 36R with 10,000 feet / 9/27 with 12,000 feet of runway. 

CVG runways are able to accommodate the largest aircraft in use, and the airfield has ample capacity to allow for significant traffic. 

Low Fares / Affordability

CVG has embraced a mix of legacy airlines and low cost carriers, which has led to carrier diversification, competition, and low average fares.  Affordability is important on both sides of the business equation:

Air Carrier perspective:  CVG’s prudent financial planning makes it an affordable and attractive place for air carriers (cargo or passenger) to do business.

Traveler perspective:  CVG's low average airfares, along with a robust list of nonstop destinations, attracts passengers interested in convenience, affordability, and access.  CVG has led the region with the lowest average airfares since late 2017. Learn more here on airfare rankings. 

Air Carrier Diversity

CVG's diverse mix of both legacy and low cost passenger airlines has a direct impact on average airfares, route and frequency offerings, and the many benefits that come from competition.   The diversity of airport operations between passenger and cargo operators also supports the airport's ability to provide airlines one of the lowest cost of operations among major airports in the U.S.   

Growth in air cargo has played a significant role in the transformation of CVG.  With two air cargo super hubs operating out of CVG (Amazon Air and DHL) and a significant presence from FedEx, CVG will continue to be a logistics leader in the air cargo industry.  

Passenger Operations at CVG

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) welcomed more than 9.1 million passengers in 2019. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, CVG still offers the most nonstop destinations, airline choices, and the lowest average airfares in the region.   Focused on providing convenience; three out of every four passengers are able to travel nonstop to their final destination when using CVG.

CVG provides the only nonstop transatlantic service from Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana with service to Paris, France with single connection opportunities to more than 30 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.  CVG also serves five additional international markets with nonstop service to: Cancun, Los Cabos, Montego Bay, Punta Cana and Toronto.

CVG continues to expand on airline choices to meet traveler demand from our region and beyond.  Currently CVG has 11 passenger airline carriers and tour operators:  Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Apple Vacation (Tour Operator), and Vacation Express (Tour Operator).  

Cargo Operations at CVG

CVG is the 7th largest cargo airport in North America and home to the Amazon Air Hub and DHL Express Global Superhub.  In 2019, the airport handled more than 1.2 million tons, growing 53% since 2016. 

CVG's central location and on-campus and surrounding infrastructure has been beneficial to cargo operations.  Cargo has continued to grow at CVG during the pandemic, a direct result of increased ecommerce activity.  

There are many air carriers that operate out of CVG for cargo operations including, but not limited to, Atlas Air, Kalitta Air, Polar, FedEx, to name a few.    

 

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The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has been serving commercial passengers since 1947. With more than 7,700 acres of land, four runways, a diversified base of operations on and near the campus, along with an economic impact of $6.8 Billion (2018), CVG is much more than meets the eye. This series, CVG @ Work, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the breadth of services offered by CVG Airport and its commitment to be a leader in our region.

Read more chapters in our CVG @ Work Series. 

CVG @ Work