DETROIT, Michigan — A revitalization effort has begun at Coleman A. Young International Airport (KDET), the first significant initiative in 50 years at the airport.
In 2023, the city of Detroit received FAA approval to institute a 20-year airport development and strategy design plan, enabling the airport to apply for federal funding to subsidize infrastructure upgrades.
An integral component of the rejuvenation effort is 30-year lease for Avflight, the FBO at the airport. This is the first long-term lease in the airport’s history, according to Avflight officials.
The long-term lease gives the company a path forward to “significantly invest” in the property, officials continued.
Beginning in the summer of 2024, Avflight will build a new FBO that will be at least 3,000 square feet, along with a 15,000-square-foot heated hangar next to the existing FBO building.
“There is so much potential at the Coleman A. Young International Airport, and after several years of hard work, residents and visitors alike will begin to see signs of the enormous change to come as Avflight kicks off construction this summer,” said Detroit’s Chief Operating Officer Brad Dick. “I look forward to a few years from now, when Detroit once again has a truly state-of-the-art airport within our city limits.”
Avflight has provided services to the airport’s flight operations since moving onto the field in 2011.
City-Led Enhancements to KDET
Other enhancements to the airport include a recently completed $350,000 LED taxi lighting upgrade and $3.5 million runway renovation. Upcoming projects include a $1.2 million ramp pavement improvement project and $8.1 million engineered material arresting system.
Further city-planned initiatives include building a new control tower in 2026, an airport beautification initiative, upgraded snow removal equipment, and establishing educational and community organizations at the airport to promote and host educational opportunities for Detroit citizens, according to officials.
In time, airport advocates hope the airport revitalization project provides a pathway to move the Davis Aerospace Technical High School back to the airfield.