FLINT, Michigan—After just two months serving as interim, Nino Sapone is officially moving into the airport director position at Bishop International Airport.
The Airport Authority Board unanimously named Sapone the new airport director at its meeting Oct. 22. He replaces Craig Williams, who resigned in July after five years at Bishop. The previous airport director was James L. Rice, who served in the airport’s top post for 24 years and oversaw massive growth and expansion of the airport.
“We are excited to have Nino at the helm. Bishop Airport has many positive things happening. Nino is at the top of the list. We welcome him as our new director,” said Win Cooper, chairman of the Bishop Airport Authority Board.
Sapone came on board at Bishop in March to serve as the deputy director. He was hired following a national search and brought with him more than 25 years experience in the airport industry. Sapone previously served as vice president for airport operations at Pittsburgh International Airport.
Related story: Bishop International Airport hires new deputy director
“I am honored and humbled to be given this amazing opportunity to lead a talented team at FNT and I look forward to moving forward together,” said Sapone. “An airport is so often the first and last impression that travelers have of the community and region — and so one must be committed to delivering outstanding operational performance while exceeding customer service expectations. I look forward to building on the growth and success at Bishop International Airport and working with the community to make the airport the best it can be.”
Bishop International Airport is the third largest airport in Michigan. The airport announced earlier this month that it seating capacity is at its highest levels in four years — surpassing the levels available even prior to Southwest Airlines departure from the airport in April 2018.
One of the largest additions is American Airlines new service to Charlotte, N.C., it’s southeastern hub, which launched in September. American also has increased the number of flights going into Chicago-O’Hare as has United while Delta has upped its service to Atlanta-Hartsfield.
Low-cost airline Allegiant also added a new seasonal flight to Sarasota, Fla (starting Nov. 24) and is bringing back its seasonal flight to Ft. Lauderdale (starting Dec. 20). Known for servicing vacation destinations, Allegiant also has increased its service from Flint to Orlando, Ft. Myers, and Tampa Bay.
Sapone’s new appointment begins immediately. He is an accredited airport executive through the American Association of Airport Executives
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