Mark VanLoh, aviation director at Kansas City International (MCI), will step down from his position at the end of May.
He’ll be replaced by Assistant City Manager Pat Klein, who has been working with the aviation department as it negotiated with airlines on a deal that could result in a new terminal being built at MCI.
MCI has been in talks with Southwest Airlines and its other airlines on specifics of what a new terminal might look like. That deal has been finalized and will be presented to the city council on April 26. VanLoh cited the completion of that agreement and eligibility for his city retirement pension as elements contributing to his decision to retire from MCI.
“It’s just perfect timing,” he says.
In addition to his efforts around the terminal proposal, VanLoh was vital in helping create more than 1,000 jobs in the city through the development of previously vacant ground at MCI, says Troy Schulte, city manager. During his tenure, Richards-Gebaur (GVW), a former Air Force base, was redeveloped as an intermodal hub, and Charles B. Wheeler Downtown (MKC) was revitalized.
“I want to thank Mark for his great service to the city,” Schulte says. “Mark began the discussions about the severe structural problems that were impeding further growth at KCI that has resulted in the current terminal conversation. Good leadership can be controversial and unpopular, but it should always be appreciated.”
VanLoh told ARN momentum for the new terminal, which would replace three aging and dated existing terminals, is growing. But the battle has been tumultuous, with many supporters saying the city deserves a modernized facility with more amenities and vocal detractors arguing that the existing buildings should be renovated and saved due to their convenience.
If the city council approves the joint airport-airline terminal proposal, it would still need to pass a city referendum, which he says could take place as soon as August. The city and MCI officials will begin trying to gain support from voters with the presentation of the plan next week.
VanLoh expressed confidence that Klein is the right person to succeed him. Klein has been with the city for nearly 20 years and has been deeply involved in the aviation department’s efforts to gain approval for a new terminal and in the talks with airlines. That involvement is why the city decided to promote him rather than do a nationwide search for his successor, VanLoh says.
“The airport will not miss a beat in its operation,” he says. “It makes it so much easier to have someone here on the ground floor.”
Both sides have lauded the cooperation between airport and airline officials. “It’s worked out so well,” VanLoh says.
While he’s leaving MCI and has no current plans for the future, VanLoh says he’s likely to resurface in the industry somewhere. He had 19 years of experience in other airports and also had been with Pan American Airways before arriving in Kansas City.
“As long as it’s in aviation, I’ll pump gas,” he quipped. “Aviation is what I do. It’s what I love.”
