La Crosse airport begins promotional campaign

Facility recently went through $14 million in renovations

The future of the La Crosse area’s economy could depend heavily on how busy things are at the La Crosse Regional Airport. 

The airport’s three-digit code is part of a new campaign called LSE Leaders – along with character Elsie (picture, right) – aimed at encouraging more people in the region to fly through La Crosse for business and pleasure.

Airport manager Clint Torp says La Crosse might lose out on airline business if more travelers don’t go through the local terminal.

“Airports around the country are filling up flights to near capacity,” Torp said. “In order to stay competitive, we also have to keep our airplanes full to capacity otherwise airlines will look at other airprorts.”

The airport recently completed a $14-million renovation of its current terminal, which opened almost 30 years ago.  

LSE Leaders brings together Mayo, Gundersen, Western Tech, Dairyland Power and some 15 other employers in touting the airport as a convenient travel partner.

Torp says one question he’s often asked is: “How supportive is the business community?”

“A program like this helps to put some information and demographics behind the importance the business community sees in this airport versus using outlying airports,” Torp said.

The airport says more connections could result if La Crosse air traffic increases substantially.