Date: August 16, 2001

Presenter: Don Smithy

Affiliation: Omaha Airport Authority

The speaker for this meeting was Don Smithy, Executive Director of the Omaha Airport Authority. Mr. Smithy has overseen the development of the Epply Airport from a modest metro site to a "near regional hub." The amount of air passenger traffic through Omaha is larger than many cities its size throughout the country. Mr. Smithy discussed how Omaha grew its airport volume and what is in store for the future of local aviation travel. There were also a number of questions about the role of the airport with the convention center development and impact on the local economy. The importance of good air travel connections is often overlooked or under appreciated - until you see stories of people driving from Des Moines to Omaha to catch a flight.

Speaker Don Smithy.

The Eppley Airfield development plan.