Kevin Dillon, Connecticut Airport Authority

What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2016?

The launch of the new Dublin, Ireland service via Aer Lingus marked the reestablishment of nonstop transatlantic service at Bradley International Airport. This was a major milestone for the airport and the regional business community, as it provides convenient connectivity to major corporate activity centers across Europe. It also offers area transatlantic leisure travelers with a hassle-free alternative to New York or Boston airports. Finally, the new Aer Lingus service elevates the status of Bradley, and it has already started generating further interest from other airlines interested in starting new routes at the airport.

What was your most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2016?

In addition to the major Aer Lingus development, there have been a number of other advances at Bradley. In regard to route development, we were also able to launch new service to LAX, Denver, and Pittsburgh in 2016. We recently opened a new lounge, the Escape Lounge, which offers complimentary food and beverage, high-speed WiFi, and a relaxed environment for passengers to enjoy before take-off. We also opened a new duty-free shop, Phillips Seafood restaurant, and mother’s nursing room, installed new kiosks, and completed a number of aesthetic improvements to the terminal facilities.

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2017?

A growing Bradley International Airport helps drive a strengthening economy and a robust commercial real estate market. The launch of the Aer Lingus service increases the likelihood for other new route announcements in the future. The airport development zones surrounding Bradley and Waterbury-Oxford Airports, and the tax benefits associated with those zones, also continue to generate interest in parcels adjacent to those airports. As the number of routes and services continues to grow at Bradley, it will also help facilitate important business connectivity in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. These are all very positive trends for regional commercial real estate.