GREEN — Akron-Canton Airport turns 80 this week, and the Summit County airport is marking the milestone with a redesigned website, a new marketing campaign and a birthday celebration for travelers passing through the terminal.
The airport, known by its code CAK, will celebrate its 80th anniversary on Tuesday, Oct. 13. It opened in Green in 1946, when about 25,000 people turned out for two days of festivities. In its first year, 43,032 passengers flew in and out on American, Capital, Eastern and United Airlines.
The airport has grown considerably since then. Nearly one million passengers used CAK last year, and about 60 employees now support more than 20 commercial flights a day on carriers including American, United, Allegiant and Breeze.
President and CEO Ren Camacho said local airports improve residents’ quality of life, connect businesses to the world and support regional prosperity, and that CAK is proud to have served that role for Northeast Ohio for eight decades.
Ticketed travelers on Tuesday can join anniversary activities and photo opportunities in the terminal, along with treats. Airport officials say the refreshed website and brand are meant to give passengers a consistent experience from their first online visit to the moment they arrive, and to reflect the friendly experience the airport aims to provide.