MARQUETTE, MI-- Sawyer International Airport is celebrating 20 years in business.
In 1994 KI Sawyer Air Force Base closed, leaving a 12,700 foot runway and a vast expanse of land. Scott Erbisch is Marquette County’s Administrator and formerly the Director of Operations at Sawyer. He says, "Moving the airport from the former Negaunee Township location seemed like the right opportunity for Marquette County to potentially grow its airport flight options and to position the airport for more economic development opportunities.”
The first commercial incoming flight was Northwest 2961 from Detroit on September 22, 1999. Since then more than 2 million passengers have gone through the terminal. Passenger totals have averaged 105,000 a year, with a record high of 133,681 in 2007.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sawyer officials are holding a Business After Hours Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Marquette Holiday Inn.
