by James M. (Jim) Conn
AOPA Airport Support Network Volunteer
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine October/November 2023 Digital Issue
ALEXANDRIA, MINN. – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has redesignated Alexandria Municipal Airport (KAXN) as a regional airport based on the increasing level of aircraft operations to include visits by large jet aircraft. Regional designation is noteworthy as it is accompanied by a higher level of grant funding and focus from both the FAA and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) Office of Aeronautics in the National Airspace System, compared to smaller General Aviation airports. This designation may not have occurred had it not been for exceptional leadership by the airport’s manager, Kreg Anderson. Anderson is the first professionally trained, college-educated airport manager since the inception of the airport. In his role, Anderson interacts regularly with the FAA and MNDOT through engineering firms WIDSETH & TKDA. He is also on the board of directors of the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA).
