EAA Joins Support for Burke Lakefront Airport

EAA this week joined eight other aviation organizations in sending letters to Ohio’s congressional representatives that urged maintaining Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL) as a vital link in the city’s and state’s transportation infrastructure.

The aviation groups appreciated the contact with the congressional offices and said any closure of Burke would “undermine the national transportation system, degrade aviation safety and efficiency, harm Cleveland’s local economy, and eliminate opportunities for advanced air mobility.” Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb has proposed closing Burke for redevelopment.

The letters further explain that Burke is a key link in emergency and humanitarian efforts, including organ donation flights; an essential reliever for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport; and a location for the next generation of air transportation, including air taxis. In addition, elimination of Burke would cause the demise of the annual Cleveland National Air Show on the lakefront, as its organizers have no other viable location for the event that brings $18 million in economic impact to the city.

The letters further state, “We share a desire for increasing economic growth and opportunity for the citizens of Cleveland; however, Mayor Bibb’s proposed concept lacks consideration of major factors: environmental remediation costs, federal and state financial obligations, jobs and economic loss, and safety and airspace congestion impacts.”

EAA chapters in Ohio have also expressed their support for Burke and have contacted their elected officials on the issue.