The Sky's No Limit for Topeka's Development | Curtis Sneden

Curtis Sneden, Director of Development at the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA), shares exciting developments happening at Topeka's two airports and their adjacent industrial park. He reveals plans to bring commercial airline service back to Topeka Regional Airport, with flights potentially starting in early 2026 to destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.• The MTAA operates both Topeka Regional Airport (formerly Forbes Field) and Philip Billard Airport, plus an industrial park with development potential• Data shows approximately 1,400 Topekans drive to KCI daily, creating strong market demand for local commercial air service• Airlines have shown significant interest in Topeka after years of indifference, with point-to-point carriers eager to serve the market• Plans include building an 80,000-square-foot aircraft maintenance hangar to attract MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) companies• The project would create skilled aviation jobs, with potential partnership with Washburn Tech for mechanic training programs• Existing airport tenants include Verus Aviation (corporate jet management), Millionaire (fixed-base operator), military units, and museums• Topeka's collaborative approach to economic development helps attract businesses with seamless support across organizations• The "Kansas Aerospace Triad" concept connects Topeka, Wichita and Salina as centers of aviation excellence in Kansas________________________________________0:00 - Meet Curtis Sneden, MTAA Director11:14 - Airports Overview and Current Operations19:24 - Commercial Air Service Coming to Topeka39:08 - Economic Development and MRO Opportunities46:24 - Topeka's Growth and Breaking Down Silos58:32 - Rapid Fire Questions________________________________________Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KSWebsite -- https://topekainsider.com/Facebook --- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsiderInstagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsiderFollow Your Hosts: 📱Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jdFor Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!