BLUE GRASS AIRPORT WELCOMES ERIC FRANKL AS INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

February 17, 2009 – Eric J. Frankl, A.A.E., joins Blue Grass Airport today as its new interim executive director.  With more than 20 years of experience in the airport industry, Frankl will oversee the day-to-day management of Blue Grass Airport including airport operations, administration, development and community relations. 

“We are confident that Eric’s exceptional leadership abilities will bring great success to the future of Blue Grass Airport,” said Bobby Owens, chairman of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board.  “His experience in all aspects of airport management will be valuable in leading us through the more than $66 million worth of airport improvement projects we are beginning this year.”

Prior to his appointment at Blue Grass Airport, Frankl served as Director of Airports for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.  Frankl had overall responsibility for the financial performance, operation and administration of both Toledo Express and Metcalf Field Airports in Ohio.  During his tenure, Frankl completed a master plan for Metcalf Field and a conceptual plan for industrial and air cargo development at Toledo Express Airport.  He also oversaw the completion of terminal improvements at Toledo Express along with a number of taxiway and ramp improvements at both airports.

In addition to his work for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Frankl previously served as Executive Director for the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois and Director of Operations at Fort Wayne International Airport in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Eric Frankl is a graduate of Bowling Green State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management.  In 1996, he received his professional accreditation from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and he served as President of the AAAE Great Lakes Chapter in 2004/2005.

Blue Grass Airport, the official airport of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, is served by seven major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 13 major hub cities with direct service to hundreds of destinations worldwide.  The airport proudly serves over one million central and eastern Kentucky travelers each year.