New Head of GSP Looks to Attract Low Cost Carrier

There's a new man in town at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
And he's looking to make some big changes at GSP, including renovating the terminal, and attracting a new low cost carrier.

In a place where being "on-time" is key to keeping business flying high, David Edwards, the new Executive Director of GSP is hoping to move ahead with big changes, without delay.

Edward's vision includes attracting a new low cost carrier.

“We've been in discussions with Southwest, we're talking to Frontier, we're talking to Jet Blue, we're talking to Air-Tran, and so that's a big focus for us right now," said Edwards.

After all, GSP leaks about 60% of its market to Charlotte and Atlanta.

Traveler, Kevin Allsion is one of many who say they usually fly out of those airports because they can find cheaper tickets.

“The price is the bottom line," said Allison.

Edwards is hoping competition from a low-cost carrier will help make GSP more competitive.

And another way he hopes to attract more business is by revamping the 1960s terminal.

That includes expanding the ticket area, brightening up luggage claim, bringing in brand name eateries like Star Bucks and Subway, adding more retail space and combining the two security check points to make room for it all.

Outside Edwards hopes to add a little more protection overhead.

“We have very limited coverage area for people to get out of their vehicles and moreover, even if you look down at the coverage area we have, they really only cover you on one side but if you get out on the driver's side you're back out in the weather so we want to look at how we might fix that as we move forward.”

Big dreams, but can it actually happen. Well it already has under Edwards' leadership at Asheville Regional. That airport underwent a $60 million renovation including a facelift to the terminal."

The changes attracted Air-Tran's eye. And the low cost carrier recently came on board in Asheville.

All these changes have a price tag of course.
Edwards estimates it will cost about $35 million. The airport is already putting aside capital for the renovations and will look to get a portion of the federal dollars set-aside for these types of improvements.
GSP is in the midst of an 8 month planning study, and Edwards says any changes wouldn't likely come until the spring of 2011.