BAY AREA HOUSTON, TEXAS – The Board of Directors of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has given its support toward initiating international service at Houston’s Hobby Airport. Board Chairman Richard E. Allen, Jr., stated, “Texas has earned an international reputation as being arguably the most business-friendly state in the nation. BAHEP’s board believes that it is equally important for Houston to be viewed as a forward thinking, international city, and having two international airports would definitely send that message.”
Bob Mitchell, president of BAHEP, concurs. “We have looked at much of the research that has focused on expansion at Hobby as well as discussed this possibility with regional leaders and elected officials. Competition has always been a catalyst for growth in this country, and we at BAHEP feel that this is the right time for the Houston Airport System to make this city the destination of choice for international travelers,” he said.
Mitchell explained that for more than 35 years, BAHEP has collaborated with local governments and other economic development organizations in support of regional economic development resulting in job growth and expansion of targeted businesses and industry clusters. Through BAHEP’s Ellington Field Task Force, the organization has long led and supported the development of both Ellington Field and Ellington Airport in much the same way it is now supporting the development and enhancement of Hobby Airport.
Mitchell concluded, “The board of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has determined that dual international airports would be beneficial for regional economic prosperity. Hobby Airport has been serving the industries and people of this region for the past 75 years. As this city continues its upward expansion, Houston’s transportation sectors must position themselves to support that growth.”