OGDEN, Utah (ABC 4 News) - It is one of the busiest airports in the state, but on Thursday the first commercial plane landed at Ogden Regional Airport. The city believes the addition to the community will bring people and their money to Ogden.
Ogden's Mayor Mike Caldwell has been very anxious for Thursday's flight. The Mayor told ABC4, "This is a huge game changer for Ogden."
A game changer on several fronts.
First, the convenience.
Michael Shuetz was the first to step off the Allegiant flight Thursday. Shuetz said, "this flight is short commute, closer and it is just more convenient for me to this route." He lives in Mesa, but works in Ogden. This Allegiant flight means he can get to work faster, without having to go through Salt Lake City and driving nearly an hour after the flight.
The Allegiant flight will go from Mesa to Ogden twice a week; Thursday and Sunday.
This addition to Ogden is more than convenience, the city is anxious for the addition of people to the city.
Mayor Caldwell said, "People can come and see Ogden with a fresh perspective. It's not the rundown
railroad town people talked about in the 60s, 70s, 80s; it is completely transformed."
To get the airport ready for commercial flights, the airport did go through a pretty significant remodel. There is a new building for TSA screening and the original building had a major facelift.
The community seems excited too, but not just for the economic boost.
John Marriott told ABC4, "It might help get people to Arizona quicker, that's what I'm doing next week."
While that is a definite possibility, Ogden is excited for the exposure and the opportunity to bring more people to their mountain and metro area.
