Airport hopes longer runway means longer flights

GREEN, Ohio (AP) — Officials say a runway lengthening project will allow longer nonstop flights from the Akron-Canton Airport in northeast Ohio.

Federal Aviation Administration chief Randy Babbitt was at the airport Monday to announce a $16.6 million government grant to extend the main runway by 600 feet.

Airport President and CEO Rick McQueen says that will permit takeoffs by planes that carry more fuel so are heavier. He says that means Akron-Canton will be able to offer nonstop flights to the West Coast, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Officials say the runway project will create at least 60 temporary construction jobs. McQueen says the work should be completed by November.

He says permanent jobs will be generated as airlines expand service at the airport.