For over a century, the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (Leahy BTV) has played an important role in Vermont’s aviation industry. As the largest airport in the state and the second busiest in New England by number of flights, take-offs, and landings, Leahy BTV has evolved into a hub of diverse operations, serving commercial, general aviation, corporate, and cargo needs. Additionally, it hosts military operations, including the prestigious Vermont Air National Guard squadron that was the first in the U.S. to house the F-35A fighter jets.
“We are an extremely innovative and very busy airport,” says Nicolas Longo, Director of Aviation, adding that traffic volumes have been growing. “We have witnessed consistently rising passenger numbers, with record-breaking figures over recent years, and are expecting another very busy season.”
He further says that it is not just US passengers that are served by the airport – its close proximity to Montreal and the Eastern Townships makes Leahy BTV a convenient choice for Canadian passengers, reinforcing its cross-border economic and logistical ties.
“Tourism is a key driver of air travel in Vermont, with the fall season witnessing a peak in visitors drawn to the state’s breath-taking autumn foliage. September and October of 2024 marked the busiest fall months in the airport’s history, underscoring Leahy BTV’s growing importance as a gateway to Vermont’s scenic beauty and rich in culture and history.”
Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
Over the past 13 years, major transformations have taken place at the airport, spanning terminal upgrades, runway expansions, and taxiway enhancements. Longo explains that the new Terminal Expansion Project that has been in the airport Master Plan for about a decade, is split into three stages. The first stage that streamlined the security checkpoint, adding a 30,000-square-foot facility, has been completed.
The second stage – Project NexT, currently underway – will add 60,000 square feet. The terminal building will be transformed, featuring an observation deck, an outdoor rooftop patio, and sustainable infrastructure using mass timber and geothermal heating and cooling systems. For travellers, improved amenities will be offered, and for airport partners, airline storage and baggage claim space will be re-designed to meet current equipment needs.
Project NexT is by far the most environmentally sustainable construction project ever undertaken at Leahy BTV’s premises, setting new standards in sustainability, affirms Longo. Embracing the principles of the circular economy, innovative strategies, from recycled building materials to closed-loop water systems, will be implemented to minimize waste and maximize resources.
The final phase of the Terminal Expansion Project, scheduled for completion by 2029, aims to redefine the passenger experience and operational efficiency. Longo points out that this ambitious project is not just about boosting passenger capacity; it’s about ushering Leahy BTV into the future with modern amenities tailored to meet the demands of the next generation of travellers.
“Historically, the airport served smaller aircraft with 30 to 50 seats, but today’s standard aircraft capacity has doubled to 100 seats per flight. This shift necessitates larger, more flexible terminals. The Project is being designed to accommodate evolving aircraft technologies, making Leahy BTV future-proof,” he says.
Beta Technologies Partnership
The Terminal Expansion Project is not the only milestone in the airport’s development, he further points out. New partnerships will also play a pivotal role not just for the airport itself but for the whole region. “The biggest partner that we have introduced here over the last few years is Beta Technologies, a company that is pioneering the development and manufacturing of fully electric aircraft.”
“To have a company that is changing the dynamic of worldwide aviation based right here in Vermont is a major achievement – the result of a collaborative effort that led to a ground-breaking 75-year lease agreement, a rarity in the aviation sector due to strict FAA regulations.”
With a 180,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Leahy BTV and additional sites across the U.S. and Canada, Beta Technologies is set to significantly boost the regional economy. The airport’s contribution to the economy previously stood at $1 billion, but with Beta’s expansion, this figure is expected to surge. The company already employs over 800 personnel, further reinforcing its impact on the job market and aviation innovation. “Quite simply, the partnership with Beta Technologies is a major game changer for our region,” Longo affirms.
He says that on the aviation side, Leahy BTV continues to expand its airline network, having added Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Breeze Airways in recent years. Active engagement with both existing and prospective airlines ensures increased connectivity and competitive ticket pricing as well as new growth opportunities.
Ready for an Innovative and Exciting Future
The airport also leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools for administrative efficiency, although human expertise remains key, Longo affirms. “People are the core of our operations, whether you’re talking about the customer experience going in and out of this terminal or our operations staff who are here 24/7. Artificial intelligence is a great tool if used correctly, but we need human intelligence first of all.”
It will be the synergy of humans and advanced technology that will help Leahy BTV face the challenges typical of a fast-growing aviation hub. With its high volume of flights, the airport stands second only to Boston Logan International Airport in New England’s northeast territory. Increased traffic, combined with Beta Technologies’ training programmes, is pushing airport operations to new limits. To address this, Leahy BTV is fostering partnerships with technical schools and training centres to create a pipeline for future aviation professionals.
“What sets Leahy BTV apart from other expanding airports is its financial stability. Despite a $200 million capital expansion plan, the airport has minimal debt, thanks to strategic federal, state, and legislative partnerships. This ensures sustainable growth without financial strain on future generations,” says Longo. In December 2024, Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded the airport’s credit rating to “Baa1” from “Baa2” with a stable outlook. This achievement marks the airport’s highest credit rating in nearly 15 years and reflects significant strides in financial stability and operational performance.
With Leahy BTV’s transformation in full swing, the airport is facing a very busy time ahead. “Building on our 105-year legacy, we’re not only celebrating our past but also looking ahead to an innovative and exciting future,” says Longo, confident that the airport’s continued airline expansions will solidify its position as a thriving small-hub airport in the U.S. aviation industry.
