Celebrating a Year of Excellence at Chennault

As the year draws to a close, Chennault International Airport reflects on an extraordinary 2024. From hosting world-class aircraft to fostering community partnerships, Chennault has consistently proven itself as a vital hub for aviation and economic development in Southwest Louisiana. Here’s a look back at the highlights of a year defined by innovation, collaboration, and service.

January: A Strong Start

Chennault kicked off the year by expanding its aircraft parking area, increasing capacity to accommodate the growing number of companies calling the airport home. Among the aircraft parked here was a vintage B-25, freshly restored with new paint. This expansion, alongside other major capital investments, signals a commitment to continued growth well into 2024 and beyond.

In January, Chennault leadership visited Washington, D.C., meeting with key congressional legislators to discuss the significant positive impact that Chennault and its tenants provide to the state. Among the lawmakers Chennault met with were U.S. Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy, as well as U.S. Representative Clay Higgins. The meetings were part of ongoing efforts to secure support for infrastructure and growth initiatives.

Chennault was also featured in Air Cargo Week, with Executive Director Kevin Melton leading a presentation and tour that highlighted the airport’s local, statewide, and national impact. Additionally, Melton presented to the leadership program of the Council for A Better Louisiana, sharing insights into Chennault’s role in expanding economic opportunity and job creation.

February: Strengthening the Community

Chennault’s commitment to the community remained strong in February with a clean-up initiative along the I-210 on/off ramps and parts of Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue. The airport’s team, with help from the Lake Charles Police Department, worked to improve the aesthetics of the area, promoting the message to “Pick It Up” and “Love the Boot.”

During the month of February, Chennault also has the opportunity to show cased its significant focus on operations and safety with the Federal Aviation during its annual airport inspection.

Chennault also received a $2.5 million federal grant to expand its fire-suppression capacity, complementing $2.3 million in local funds. This project, which is part of Chennault’s $40 million-plus strategic plan, is expected to create and retain over 1,200 jobs and stimulate $5.9 million in private investment.

March: Advocacy for Aviation

In March, Executive Director Kevin Melton testified before the Joint Transportation, Highways, and Public Works Committee in Baton Rouge. Melton highlighted the critical role Chennault plays as Louisiana’s No. 1 economic driver among general aviation airports, contributing $163 million in payroll impacts and $240 million in economic output to the region. His testimony underscored the need for increased funding for general aviation airports like Chennault, which do not receive the same federal support as commercial airports. March brought the closeout of multiple infrastructure projects to include air traffic control tower enhancements, perimeter fencing and drainage improvement projects, concrete repair and others as well as the start of a $4.9M utility corridor project, which would eventually bring utility access to multiple locations across the airport.

Finally, to prepare for future B-52 operations at Chennault, a team of Airmen from Barksdale Air Force Base spent several days working with the Chennault team to assess the airport’s ability to support proposed B-52 operations.

April: Driving Infrastructure Growth

April saw continued progress with the ongoing $4.9 million utility corridor project, designed to bring essential utilities across the Chennault complex. This project is part of a $24 million infrastructure initiative aimed at fueling tangible growth and job creation.

Chennault also hosted a community event, “Keep Louisiana Clean,” with nearly 100 local business members and residents participating in a litter pickup effort. The event, supported by numerous community partners, reflected Chennault’s dedication to enhancing the environment and fostering community engagement.

May: A New Partnership

In May, Chennault announced a partnership with Pro-Surve Technical Services, LLC, which offers a range of engineering and inspection services. This collaboration expands Chennault’s capabilities and further strengthens its position as a key player in the region’s economic development. The partnership also led to the creation of over 50 jobs in the area, reinforcing the airport’s role as an economic hub. The airport also supported the expansion of Citadel Completions as it entered into a lease agreement to utilize the existing logistics center as their expanded warehouse facility that supported the production of 40 more jobs at Chennault.

June: Business Expansion and Community Growth

June was a month of business expansion and new partnerships. Chennault’s leadership discussed the significant growth taking place at the airport during an interview on KPLC-TV’s “Midday” show. Additionally, the airport welcomed a new tenant partner, contributing to the creation of new jobs and boosting the region’s economy. We were also pleased to host the Louisiana National Guard who removed thousands of trees and undergrowth at the former Mallard Cove Golf Course in an effort to prepare for future development.

July: Continuing Regional Impact and Marketing

In July, Chennault continued to play an important role in regional development by hosting a series of meetings with state and local economic development officials to include the Governor’s staff. As part of the recurring regional and State leadership programs, Chennault was honored to host the Jeff Davis Leadership class where they learned much about the economic impacts Chennault brings to the region. Key leadership also supported Louisiana Economic Development by traveling to the United Kingdom to support their efforts to bring business to Louisiana while at the Farnborough Air and Trade Show.

August: Economic Development and Recognition

August welcomed renowned economist Dr. Loren Scott for discussions on regional economic development. The airport also collaborated with young professionals from SWLA Fusion Five, fostering fresh perspectives on growth initiatives. On the operations side, Clint Johnson, Chennault’s airport operations superintendent, earned the prestigious Airport Certified Employee (ACE) designation, further enhancing the airport’s commitment to safety and efficiency. We were honored to host Governor Jeff Landry to Chennault where he had the opportunity to see first hand what our tenants at Chennault offered our region and state with regard to significant job opportunities across the aviation, manufacturing, and services markets.

September: Community Engagement and Emergency Preparedness

September deepened Chennault’s community ties as the airport hosted high school students for aviation career exploration as well as supported our community young leaders organization, Fusion 5. Visits with State leadership such as the Commissioner of Administration to promote Chennault and seek support from the State. . From air traffic control to aircraft rescue, the program introduced the next generation to the diverse opportunities within the aviation industry. The airport’s commitment to community service extended to emergency preparedness, where Chennault partnered with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and other agencies to stage resources for potential evacuations during Hurricane Francine.

October: Military and Civilian Synergy

October marked a series of strategic partnerships taking flight. The roar of four B-52 bombers echoed across Chennault during the Global Thunder 25 exercise, a testament to the airport’s ability to handle military-scale operations. The exercise highlighted Chennault’s versatility as a civilian airport capable of supporting the U.S. Air Force’s most complex training scenarios. October also saw the Louisiana National Guard unveil its new $32 million readiness center at Chennault, underscoring the airport’s role as a critical training facility for military personnel. Chennault also played host to Louisiana’s Speaker of the House so that he could tour and better understand the positive impacts Chennault has on the State. Chennault leadership remained out in the community as a Louisiana Industrial Development Executive Association panelist, supporting the City with World War II portraits at City Hall, providing overview of airport operations to the middle and high school students as part of the Family and Youth Career Exploration and as a speaker at the Central Acadia Firefighter Symposium.

November: Supporting Veterans, Workforce Development, and Major Project Completion

In November, Chennault took great pride in hosting “The Boot,” a statewide initiative designed to help transitioning service members find meaningful civilian careers. Veterans from Fort Johnson and Barksdale Air Force Base explored the opportunities available at Chennault and its tenant partners, such as Northrop Grumman and Citadel Completions. Chennault also collaborated with the Secretary of Louisiana Workforce Commission to strengthen job opportunities across the region. Executive Director Kevin Melton joined Workforce Development Secretary Susie Schowen to lead discussions on making Louisiana a premier destination for business growth. As a review of the phenomenal level of work activity, it was presented to the Airport Board Authority that 101 major projects had been completed since September 2020 totaling $77M.

December: High-Flying Conclusion

December capped off the year with an awe-inspiring sight—a pair of U.S. Marine Corps F-35 fighter jets preparing for departure. This was just another day at an airport known for hosting everything from nimble C-172s to the monumental B-52 bombers. Chennault’s mission remains steadfast: to provide a safe and efficient environment for its personnel while delivering benchmark services to every aircraft that graces its two-mile runway. Beyond the runway, Chennault continued to play a pivotal role in U.S. government training exercises. This December, the skies above Lake Charles were alive with precision parachutists, a testament to Chennault’s reputation as a trusted partner for military operations.

Funding is key to Chennault’s ability to grow for our community, region and State. Much time and effort goes into searching and submitting for grants wherever possible. While it is still early process, in December, FEMA obligated nearly $21M for Chennault to build more facilities and infrastructure. The airport also received $185K Federal Department of Transportation grant for control tower repair and modifications.

Chennault International Airport’s achievements in 2024 reflect its unwavering dedication to excellence in aviation, economic development, and community engagement. Whether hosting military exercises, supporting veterans, or fostering local talent, Chennault continues to set the standard as a key player in Southwest Louisiana’s growth and progress.