Detroit is set for a major leap forward in aviation as the city announces a historic initiative to revitalize the Coleman A. Young International Airport (KDET). Located just six miles from the city’s center, this rejuvenation effort marks the first significant development at the airport in half a century, heralding a new era in Detroit’s aviation history.
Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Detroit approval to implement a comprehensive 20-year airport development and strategy design plan. This approval enables the airport to apply for federal funding, crucial for upgrading its infrastructure. A cornerstone of this initiative is the city’s offering of a groundbreaking 30-year leasehold to Avflight, the airport’s longstanding fixed base operator (FBO). This lease is a historic first for KDET and signifies a profound vote of confidence in Avflight’s ability to transform the airport.
Avflight, which has been integral to the airport’s operations since 2011, is set to embark on a major construction project this summer. The plans include a state-of-the-art terminal spanning at least 3,000 square feet and a 15,000-square-foot heated hangar adjacent to the existing terminal. These new facilities will significantly enhance the airport’s amenities, services, and security, making KDET an attractive option for transient visitors, airport tenants, charter operators, and more.
“There is so much potential at the Coleman A. Young International Airport,” said Brad Dick, Detroit’s Chief Operating Officer. “After several years of hard work, residents and visitors alike will begin to see signs of the enormous change to come as Avflight kicks off construction this summer. I look forward to a few years from now, when Detroit once again has a truly state-of-the-art airport within our city limits.”
Avflight’s Vice President of Operations, Joe Meszaros, echoed this enthusiasm. “We’re proud of our operation at KDET. We’ve always seen the value in preserving Coleman A. Young International Airport’s operations and have worked hard the last decade and a half to not only keep it operational but also make it a successful enterprise—one that supports the city’s economy by serving as a gateway to Detroit business and as an employer of Detroit’s citizens.”
The city’s ambitious plans for KDET extend beyond the partnership with Avflight. Recent improvements include a $350,000 upgrade to LED taxi lighting and a $3.5 million runway renovation. Upcoming projects are set to further enhance the airport’s infrastructure, such as a $1.2 million ramp pavement improvement and an $8.1 million engineered material arresting system to enhance runway safety.
Looking ahead, Detroit is planning to construct a new control tower with the FAA beginning in 2026. Additionally, the city is launching an airport beautification initiative, upgrading snow removal equipment, and establishing educational and community organizations at the airport to foster educational opportunities for Detroit residents. One of the long-term goals is to relocate the Davis Aerospace Technical High School back to the airfield, solidifying the airport’s role as an educational hub.
Meszaros highlighted the broader economic impact of the revitalization project. “With its location near the city’s business district, and close to many automotive companies and suppliers, our new terminal will provide a shining beacon to welcome commerce to Detroit. It will be a facility citizens can be proud of, and one that will support many livelihoods as we look to double our staff with an increase in traffic, expand our service offerings and provide greater educational opportunities on the airfield.”
Avflight’s multimillion-dollar complex represents a significant investment and is part of the company’s broader strategy, which includes similar successful projects across North America and Europe. “This transformative partnership with Avflight marks a pivotal moment in KDET’s history,” said Jason Watt, Director of Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport. “With a shared vision for innovation and excellence, we are elevating KDET as a premier aviation hub, driving economic growth and opportunity for the City of Detroit and our region.”
The Coleman A. Young International Airport has long been a critical transportation hub for Detroit, providing essential public services, including Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, Civil Air Patrol, and the Detroit Police Department’s aviation unit. It also supports the local economy by facilitating business travel and promoting tourism with tenants like MyFlight Tours Detroit.
Moreover, KDET is becoming a hub for sustainable aviation technology. Home to Airspace Experience Technologies (ASX), the airport supports the development of next-generation electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. ASX aims to commercialize electric aircraft, reducing emissions and promoting environmentally friendly aviation solutions.
Avflight is committed to sustainability, boasting extensive experience in installing electric charging stations for aircraft, ground equipment, and personal vehicles within its FBO network. The company also handles sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), paving the way for further green initiatives at the airport.
In essence, the revitalization of Coleman A. Young International Airport is more than just a series of infrastructure upgrades. It represents a bold vision for Detroit’s future, one where aviation serves as a catalyst for economic growth, technological innovation, and community empowerment. This groundbreaking initiative promises to lift the city’s spirits and economy, carrying Detroit into a new era of prosperity and progress.
