Chennault International Airport, a center for Southwest Louisiana job creation for three decades and since 2020 a hub for post-disaster recovery and economic growth initiatives, has been named Louisiana Airport of the Year.

The award is given by the state Department of Transportation and Development for “superior achievement and leadership in the aviation field in Louisiana” and “best practices in aviation.”

“From airport achievement, to recognizing outstanding work in a particular discipline, our awards honor excellence and professionalism at all levels of airport operations,” DOTD said.

Chennault’s past year has been marked by:

• New construction and property leasing.

• Completion of road, infrastructure, airfield and facility improvements.

• Operating daily despite record damage from two hurricanes.

• Serving as a regional hub for post-storm recovery materials and resources.

“Our Chennault team has never missed a beat since the hurricanes, flooding, and freezing weather.  This team has ensured Chennault has been a centerpiece for economic development growth efforts, emergency response and disaster relief,” said Executive Director Kevin Melton. “Our team has a strong work ethic that prides itself on esprit de corps, excellence and accountability.  We love what we do, we work hard for Southwest Louisiana and the state and we are honored that DOTD acknowledged our significant efforts and substantial results.”

The honor was announced at the 2021 Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates annual conference in Baton Rouge.

Chennault provides more than $379 million in economic output annually to Southwest Louisiana. It is home to corporate aviation and manufacturing tenants — Northrop Grumman, Citadel Completions, LandLocked Aviation Services and Louisiana Millwork — the employ about 1,500 people total.

The airport serves all facets of aviation — general aviation, U.S. government, and U.S. and international military aircraft. Its fixed-based operator, Million Air, provides general aviation and government contract fuel and terminal services.

The airport was honored for a 31-point list of achievements and initiatives tied to its mission, which is “to maintain a safe and positive work environment for all Chennault personnel, who in turn provide benchmark services and facilities in order to attract businesses and jobs, and to become a hub for aerospace operations with a global impact.”

Examples of Chennault’s commitment to aviation advancement, as reviewed the judges, included:

• Capital reinvestment for new equipment.

• 24/7 contract security services, the first airport of its kind in Louisiana to do so, as well as new cameras and signage.

• Twice supporting Boeing 777X flight-test operations.

• Main entryway road widening and entryway signs – and partnering with a local philanthropist to erect an entryway static aircraft for a theme that speaks to the “future of aerospace.”

• Groundbreaking for a $4 million, 10,000-square-foot air cargo facility.

• Brokered agreements with the Louisiana National Guard to build a $24 million readiness center.

• Agreement with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries to build a 10,000-square-foot administrative building.

• Lease of land to Project Construction for a future 10,000-square-foot facility.

• Chennault’s community impact — another area of judging — since 2020 has included:

•  Staying open throughout multiple crises. “Even amidst COVID, two hurricanes, extreme freeze and flooding, Chennault has never not opened, or had negatively affected operations due to reduced manpower,” Melton said. That was despite Hurricane Laura damaging 100 percent of Chennault’s buildings, causing more than $101 million in damage.

• Serving as operations base for search and rescue operations.

• Hosting more than 1,200 additional personnel from such agencies as National Guard, FEMA, DOTD, Blue Tarp program and power companies.

• Support of multiple military exercises, such as Swamp Devil and Hercules Stampede.

• Supporting two presidential visits during the award period.

• Hosting the Chennault International Airshow.