While many residents love MCI, business leaders said Tuesday it is increasingly outdated and stodgy, presenting a mediocre first impression to visitors and those considering doing business here. "It's kind of like an old and comfortable shoe," Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce president Jim Heeter told the MCI Terminal Advisory Group.

He said many chamber members want a more modern airport that will attract and retain strong businesses and reflect the vibrant community it serves.
"As one of our CEOs put it," Heeter said, "MCI 'is the front door for our community ... and does not project a dynamic, innovative, 21st century American city.' "

Bill Moran, who has a business recruiting nonprofit executives, agreed.
"We're way behind what other airports are doing," he told the airport task force. "We are a big league town ... but we have a little league airport."

The testimony Tuesday was in sharp contrast to much of the commentary from the public over the past year. Passionate passengers and Kansas City residents have resoundingly opposed the idea of an expensive new terminal at MCI and said they like the airport just the way it is.

Nonetheless, advisory committee members said it is important to hear from the business community because business travelers constitute one-half to two-thirds of the passengers at MCI.

Heeter said newer airports in cities such as AUS, BNA and MCO have personality, showcasing what's best about their communities.

"You know where you are," he said. "When you arrive at MCI, you don't have a sense of place."

Heeter said the airport lacks restaurants, shops and even ample restrooms that corporate executives are accustomed to finding in other big-city airports.
Bob Marcusse, president of the Kansas City Area Development Council, and Bill White, senior vice president of corporate communications for Sprint Corp., echoed Heeter's concerns. They said MCI needs major upgrades in technology and close parking and needs to create the potential for more domestic and international flights.