With fanfare and a little help from “Batman,” the new name and logo of the Burlington International Airport were officially unveiled during a dedication ceremony Thursday.
Dignitaries from throughout Vermont gathered on the lawn across from the airport terminal for the official logo unveiling and dedication ceremony of the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport’s signs and logos. Leahy, a Democrat, served in the U.S. Senate for 48 years, from 1975 until his retirement in January. He worked with nine presidents and as pro-tem was third in line to the presidency. He also cast the second-most votes in Senate history. Republican Governor Phil Scott said Leahy carved out a legacy that will benefit Vermonters for generations.
“He always served with an eye on what was best for his state. It’s this legacy and appreciation for all he did for Vermont that secured and earned his name here in Burlington at this airport. But I want to be clear. As much as Senator Leahy has done for this airport and this city his most important legacy, in my opinion, is the work he’s done to make sure that rural communities across the state and throughout the country have a seat at the table.”
Director of Aviation Nick Longo told the crowd that more than $34 million had been secured by Leahy for recent improvements as he described the airport’s new logo.
“As Leahy-BTV enters a new era our refreshed visual brand identity celebrates our airport’s storied past, its future achievements and the contributions Senator Leahy has made to our community, to Vermont and to our country. Evolution, passion, service and innovation define our airport. We are Leahy BTV.”
A banner was unfurled by a costumed Batman from the roof of the terminal, a nod to Senator Leahy being a longtime fan of the superhero and having appeared in a number of Batman movies.
“I didn’t quite expect that. I invited my friend Bruce Wayne. He never showed up." The crowd laughs and Leahy continues, "But I was glad to see Batman show up. Thank you. It actually does humble me. I was sitting here and I whispered to Marcelle darn this is really happening! I think all of us, we know how important an airport can be. We have to invest in infrastructure, the advanced instrument landing systems, runway improvements and terminal and security expansion. And next week we’re going to take our first flight since I left the Senate and came home and I’ve got to admit I’m going to look twice at the sign.”
The Burlington City Council approved the airport name change in May. Council President Karen Paul said Leahy made enormous contributions to the airport.
“This airport would not be what this airport is without Senator Leahy. And I think that it’s probably going to be called by many people Leahy-BTV and I like the sound of that. The airport is in a much stronger financial position than it was ten years ago due to the efforts of many. But all along there was the guiding force of Senator Leahy. I believe the future of Burlington, the future of this region is in large part linked to our ability to reach out to the world and that’s why we have the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport.”
The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport is one of the busiest in New England, serving more than 1.4 million passengers annually.
