You may have noticed that the T. F. Green Airport has been advertising locally to solicit passengers to their airport. While I hold no grudge against T.F. Green, I believe it is important to consider the significant positive changes that have taken place at our own Bradley International Airport and the Groton-New London Airport. These changes are indicative of the success of the new operational model put in place by the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA)

Utilizing our state airports is in keeping with the chamber’s strong commitment to our “Buy Locally” program.

When the state legislature created CAA, it recognized the significant impact that air travel has on state tourism and the overall economy. The CAA has been operating as a stand-alone quasi-public agency for nearly two years, and the benefits are evident.

In our community, the CAA has committed to investing resources and developing our local Groton-New London Airport. Earlier this year, after the CAA solicited development opportunities, a restaurant opened at the airport to provide a much-needed amenity to tenants and those using the facility. The CAA is also collaborating with other entities to further enhance the airport and provide new services that will ensure better connectivity for local pilots and businesses.

However, since appointed, the CAA’s efforts have largely centered on improving Bradley. These efforts are beginning to pay dividends for the CAA. While most of Bradley’s competitors experienced steep passenger traffic declines in 2014, Bradley figures increased 8.4 percent year-over-year.

This positions Bradley as the clear first choice for Connecticut’s commercial passengers and businesses. Bradley provides access to 29 nonstop destinations, dwarfing the number of domestic options found at other similarly sized regional airports, while still providing the quick trips through ticketing and security lines that you could only wish for at Logan or JFK. The CAA established two new, daily nonstop routes at Bradley in 2014, adding even more services at New England’s largest airport outside of Logan.

The CAA is also committed to re-establishing transatlantic service and opening our region to new destinations and economies abroad by engaging various airlines on potential new nonstop routes. This effort, when materialized, will provide new opportunities for the tourism and exporting industry to tap the European markets and beyond.

The CAA is poised to maintain momentum by investing in major capital projects, including the demolition of the aging Terminal B facility and the construction of a new ground transportation center. By providing passengers with enclosed walkway access straight from the terminal to all rental car operators, hundreds of parking spaces, and potential connectivity between the airport and the Windsor Locks train station, the CAA is prepared to elevate Bradley to the next level of world-class service.

It is for this reason that I urge all those living in eastern Connecticut to come home to Bradley and experience the convenience firsthand. For the state and region to continue benefiting from the CAA’s innovative efforts, and to draw new airlines and routes, our regional businesses must support Bradley by making it their go-to airport.

Tony Sheridan is president and chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.