Perspective: Airport looks to the future

Louis Miller's fine stewardship of Tampa International Airport is about to reach another milestone. Over the next two years, TIA will build a new airside, double the space for curbside check-in, remodel the ticketing areas and make it faster and easier for travelers to get to their plane.

Since arriving as executive director in 1996, Miller has presided over the airport's phenomenal growth. He added luggage carts, improved the concessions and public areas and made other amenities -- from parking to the bulletin boards -- more convenient. Now the goal is to ease congestion and to deliver luggage faster to arriving passengers.

TIA has long been regarded as one of the world's finest airports. But it takes vision and sound management to stay in the game. The passenger loads already are spurring talk of a second terminal. With his leadership, Miller has left visitors with a good impression of the Tampa Bay area.

These new investments, and Miller's effort to lure more European flights, give confidence TIA will remain an important source of pride for Tampa Bay.

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