Salyers to retire from Tri-State Airport

HUNTINGTON — Tri-State Airport Director Larry G. Salyers plans to retire after more than 26 years.

“It is time to give higher priority to personal and family matters,” he told the Airport Authority, according to a press release.

"I have been honored to serve the Authority and the Tri-State community, and am humbled by the trust they have placed in me," Salyers continued.

He said he’s grateful to have worked with the Authority and the talented employees and tenants at Tri-State Airport.

Salyers joined Tri-State Airport in December 1975 as director of Operations and Security, and was promoted to assistant airport manager in March 1980.  In August of 1981, he was named acting manager, and was appointed as the new airport director in May 1982. 

He will continue to serve as director until Sept. 30 or until employment of a successor.

The airport has seen both improvements and achievements under Salyers’ leadership, such as record-breaking years of annual enplanements, extensive terminal renovations and the current runway extension project. 

Salyers weathered industry challenges such as airline deregulation, the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the financial challenges and bankruptcies of many airlines.

As of late, the airport has seen growth in revenues and passengers, despite the financial struggles in the industry.

Passenger traffic increased by 62 percent in 2007 over 2006, and represented the highest yearly boardings since 1998. May 2008 brought the highest monthly boardings in more than 13 years.

Much of the growth is the result of Allegiant Air bringing low-fare flights to the airport in 2006. Salyers’ efforts were instrumental in bringing the low-cost carrier, which provides nonstop service to three Florida destinations on 150-seat MD-80 aircraft.