Since becoming CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Larry Krauter has pursued a forward-looking vision when leading the region’s most significant economic asset.
Krauter assumed the reins from longtime executive Candace McGraw in the spring of this year after spending nearly 15 years as the CEO of the Spokane International Airport in Washington. McGraw, a fixture within the Greater Cincinnati economic community, helped transform CVG’s reputation from a regional airport to a global cargo hub. Krauter was hired to continue CVG’s upward trajectory.
On Tuesday, Krauter spoke with Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President Brent Cooper on his tenure thus far, CVG’s current status and future plans. The conversation took place during the Chamber’s monthly Eggs ‘N Issues breakfast panel.
DBL Law partner Bob Hoffer, a member of the Kenton County Airport Board, which oversees CVG, said that from his perspective, Krauter has received high marks from CVG employees and travelers through his tenure so far.
“I love the fact that Larry goes down and walks the terminal to talk to visitors, to talk to travelers, to talk to employees, and really sends a message that, ‘you know what, I’m not going to stay in my office. I want to hear what the travelers say,” Hoffer said. “I want to hear what the concerns are. I want to make this a better place.”
For the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, CVG is a regional economic engine, as it is a magnet for attracting capital and expanding businesses. Cooper said that CVG acts as the economic glue binding the region. The airport generates approximately $9.3 billion in economic impact in Greater Cincinnati, according to a CVG press release.
“The economy in Northern Kentucky is wholly dependent on the airport’s success and all the businesses and the economic impact that it has around it,” Cooper said.
First, Krauter commented on how the federal government shutdown was affecting daily air travel at CVG. So far, he said, CVG has fared better than other airports.
“It’s situational, in the sense that it’s going differently depending on where you’re at in the country. Right now, things are going, actually, very well for us, all things considered,” he said.
Krauter said that the situation could worsen the longer the shutdown lingers on, but at the moment, the airport is seeing positive staffing levels for the Transportation Security Administration and air traffic controllers.
Krauter said CVG is focused on several important infrastructure projects to modernize outdated systems and enhance the overall atmosphere of the airport. One such project is the Elevate CVG program, a three-phase, multi-year terminal redevelopment project designed to enhance operational efficiency, modernize facilities, and improve the customer experience.
A central aspect of the project involves redesigning the interior of the terminal’s Welcome Pointe area. Krauter mentioned that discussions about the terminal’s design are currently in progress. He imagines it as a space where travelers feel like they are entering a “Great Hall.” CVG’s passenger terminal has not seen major upgrades since 2012.
“I think you’ll be amazed at what you see, but envision yourself walking into the terminal building in the future, and instead of walking through those main doors and running right into an escalator, you actually walk into a great hall,” said Krauter. “This great hall becomes a really amazing statement about our community as an efficient circulation area for the passengers and the screening checkpoint.”
Other aspects of Elevate CVG involve increasing the capacity of the ticketing counter and customer service building, as well as upgrading its baggage handling system. Krauter said the airport must stay competitive with other airports of similar size, such as Columbus, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
To remain competitive, Krauter said they must keep investing in advanced technologies to improve the passenger experience.
He cited Beltways, a Hebron-based startup developing an accelerating walkway, as an example of a technology that could not only enhance airport navigation for travelers but also boost its reputation as an innovative enterprise. The airport’s current moving walkways are approximately 30 years old and in need of replacement. Krauter believes Beltways could be the solution.
“We’re very engaged, really, on the leading edge, leaning into innovation, and how we can use technology to help the passenger journey become even better than it is today,” he said.
