As Provo Airport prepares to open the doors of its new terminal building, much has been said of the many agencies that have stepped up as funding partners with Provo City and made the new terminal project possible. It has been a career highlight for me to be involved in that process and witness first-hand the power of federal, state and local government working together for the benefit of their people and communities. I add my gratitude to that of the entire city of Provo for those who have shared in the vision to expand commercial service capabilities at the Provo Airport.

Well before funding was procured, and before construction began on the new terminal, the foundation for expanded commercial air service was being laid at the Provo Airport. None of the current success at the Provo Airport would be possible if not for the dedicated and continuous service of the Provo Airport employees.

Beginning at the airport in 1999, commercial service was always a goal of then-Airport Manager Steve Gleason. For 12 years, Gleason and his limited team of dedicated employees worked tirelessly to upgrade the airport facilities and prepare it for commercial service.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of elected officials at all government levels and their belief in Provo’s aviation future and the growth of Provo and Utah County in what has become the second busiest airport in the state.

Prior to the commencement of modern commercial service at Provo Airport, which began with Frontier Airlines in June 2011, the airport had only two employees. A third employee was added in August 2011 to assist with compliance to FAA requirements for commercial service. In July 2015, an office assistant was hired to assist with security badging, and in 2019 an additional office assistant was hired to assist with security badging and office management.

From working double shifts to sleeping under a conference room table waiting for snow to fall, this core of five Provo Airport employees have made Provo Airport what it is today. These individuals, together with their dedicated families, are the reason that we can open the doors to a new terminal and say to the world, “Welcome Home!”

Brian Torgersen is Provo’s deputy director of Public Works and interim airport manager.

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