The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) this week applauded the Rhode Island General Assembly’s passage of legislation that would change the name of T. F. Green Airport (PVD) to “Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport.”
The legislation (2021-H.6051 and 2021-S.0519), introduced by Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey and House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy, better positions Rhode Island’s main airport to support the state’s economy and tourism sector. The measure now moves to the governor’s office for his signature.
“I want to extend my gratitude to all who joined together to help secure the passage of this important legislation,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, RIAC president and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “A geographically identifiable name will help increase enplanements in the coming years by associating a geographical location with our airport’s name. We welcome this change and we applaud our elected officials that chose to help the airlines who choose to invest in Rhode Island.”
A 2018 brand awareness poll conducted by Pan Atlantic Research revealed low geographic name identification associated with PVD among regional, domestic and international travelers, prompting calls for the formal name change.
