b'40 DET GENERAL AVIATIONThe education component is personally significant for Watt because it provides workforce development and opportunities for Detroit youth. I actually fell in love with aviation right here at this airport at 16 years old when I went up on a flight from a school now being refurbished, he reminisces.Phoenix RisingWatts goal is to make DET a world-class business aviation airport and a good neighbor. His strategy is understanding what customers and the community want, and making money while providing it. The airport lost a lot of traffic to local competitors over the years, and he plans to win it back through revitalization. If youre going to make a commitment to the community, you have to ride it out and deliver; and that takes time, he reflects. Just never give up. Follow through with commitments. Looking in from the outside, NBAAs Gertsen is encouraged by the success building at DET. He credits Watt and the coalition that formed early on for helping the The facility currently under construction for MyFlight Tours is the firstmayor and other key stakeholders recognize new vertical structure at the airport in more than 50 years. the immense value of aviation infrastructure and the bright future that investing in the airport will bringconnecting the city, providing education opportunities, jobs, innovation and growth. Wheeler, from Kimley-Horn, has been surprised and heartened by hearing people in the industry speak about the airport in a positive light. There is now hope and excitement regarding DET, he remarks. The right people are trying to do the right things for the airport and the city. Plenty of work remains for Watt and his staff of less than a dozen employees. My airport is in the middle of a transformation, CUSTOM TENSION FABRIC BUILDINGS just as the city of Detroit is, he says. We will SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE.be like a phoenix rising. Ever the good ambassador, Watt RAPID INSTALLATION. welcomes all to come see how far the city and its growing general aviation airport have come. Its a beautiful city and I am ready to Fully Customizable Concept to Installation invite the world back, he says warmly. Its Fast-Track Construction Patented Attachment System been absolutely the most rewarding journey In-House Engineering Relocatable of my life. Were having a lot of fun. In 2027, DET will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a galaperhaps the perfect Call for more information, or to receive a quotetime for a visit. 877.259.1528| LEGACYBUILDINGSOLUTIONS.COMOctober 2025AirportImprovement.com'