Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

What Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport does

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the primary commercial airport serving the New Orleans metropolitan area and the broader Gulf South region. Owned by the City of New Orleans and operated by the New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB), MSY handled 13.2 million passengers in 2024 across 15 airlines operating 50+ nonstop destinations, including the only transatlantic route — London-Heathrow via British Airways (5x weekly) — and a Toronto-Pearson connector via Air Canada (4x weekly). The airport serves leisure and business travelers, tourism-driven convention traffic, cargo operators (FedEx, UPS, DHL), and general aviation through two fixed base operators (Atlantic Aviation and Signature Flight Support) on the North GA Ramp.

MSY operates from a modern $1.01 billion terminal complex opened November 6, 2019, featuring 35 gates, three concourses, a centralized security checkpoint, an in-line Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) with a fifth EDS machine in deployment, TSA PreCheck Touchless ID (May 2026), and CLEAR lanes. The campus includes over 8,000 parking spaces (five configurations from Valet at $36/day to Economy at $12/day) managed by New South Parking with QR code-based contactless entry/exit, a Rental Car Center housing ten operators connected by 24/7 shuttle, free Wi-Fi (with premium Boingo upgrade), real-time flight status displays, and the Music @ MSY live jazz program across three stages. The Master Plan Preferred Development Concept targets 60+ gates, a second terminal, three parking garages, and additional concourses, with 15 additional gates required by 2031 if passenger growth continues beyond the 9.7 million departing-passenger threshold.

Revenue is generated across six diversified streams: (1) aeronautical fees from airlines for landing, gates, and terminal usage; (2) public parking generating per-day rate ceilings of $12-$36; (3) concessions from 40+ locations operated by four prime concessionaires (HMSHost, Areas, Paradies Lagardere, Stellar) including Cure, Shake Shack, Cafe du Monde, and Leah's Kitchen; (4) Rental Car Center facility fees from ten brands (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty); (5) advertising sold exclusively through Clear Channel Airports across digital networks, arrivals screens, and custom exhibits reaching 12 million annual passengers; and (6) taxi flat-rate surcharges ($36 to CBD/French Quarter), ride-app pickup zone fees, and public transit integration (JET E1, RTA 202). The Air Service Development department actively recruits domestic and international route additions. Capital improvements are partially underwritten by FAA Airport Improvement Program grants totaling over $115 million between 2016 and 2026 across taxiway extensions, runway rehabilitation, terminal security, and ground transport. As a municipal asset, MSY does not publicly disclose consolidated financial statements.

Name

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Legal name

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Website

https://flymsy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

MSY is a publicly owned commercial airport in Kenner, Louisiana, operated by the New Orleans Aviation Board. It serves 13.2 million annual passengers as the primary Gulf South aviation gateway with 15 airlines offering 50+ nonstop destinations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airport Operations

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811), Other Airport Operations (488119)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Flight Operations Control & Dispatch (OCC/IOCC) (THABAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Passenger Terminal Facilities Management (Cleaning, Maintenance, Utilities) (TLAHAEAK), Security Operations Center (SOC) / Airport Security Command & Control (BPAKAMAG), Airport Ground Transport Terminals (Rail/Bus/Coach) (THAIALAG)

Keywords

• Commercial airport operations
• Passenger air travel
• Airport terminal services
• Aviation ground services
• Airline airport services

Headquarters

HQ city

Kenner

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Aeronautical Fees: Fees charged to airlines for use of airport facilities including landing fees, gate fees, and terminal usage charges. Revenue is driven by passenger volume and flight frequency.
2. Parking Operations: The airport operates over 8,000 parking spaces across four facilities (Valet, Short Term, Long Term, Economy Garage, Surface Lot) with online reservation and QR code-based entry/exit system managed by New South Parking.
3. Advertising & Media Sales: Airport advertising media including Digital Networks, Arrivals Digital screens, Large Format Print, and Custom Exhibits managed by Clear Channel Airports. Reaches approximately 12 million annual passengers.
4. Concession Revenue: Revenue from terminal concessions including food and beverage, retail, and services. Over 40 local concessions operate at MSY, with revenue shared between the airport and concession operators under various concessionaire agreements.
5. Rental Car Facility: Ten rental car companies operate from the Rental Car Center (600 Rental Boulevard, Kenner, LA 70062), connected to the terminal by shuttle. Rental car operators pay fees to the airport for facility usage.
6. Taxi and Ground Transportation Fees: Flat-rate taxi fares from the airport ($36 to CBD/French Quarter for up to 2 passengers), shuttle services, and ride app pickup zones generate ground transportation-related revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) operates a commercial aviation facility serving passengers and airlines from a $1.01 billion terminal that opened in November 2019. The airport provides terminal access, parking across more than 8,000 spaces, ground transportation, concessions, advertising media, rental car facilities, cargo services, and general aviation services. It serves over 13.2 million annual passengers across 15 airlines operating 50+ nonstop domestic and international routes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Music @ MSY: Live jazz performances featuring local musicians on three stages throughout the week, showcasing New Orleans' musical heritage.
• Lagniappe KREWE
• MSY K9 KREWE
• Military Lounge

Products and services

• Airport Parking Services On-site parking facilities at five locations (Valet, Short Term, Long Term, Economy Garage, Surface Lot) totaling over 8,000 spaces with daily rates from $12 to $36; available to travelers driving to MSY.
• Rental Car Center Facility

Quantifiable outcome

• Baggage processing throughput increased from 25 to 32 bags per minute with 50% faster recovery time in bag jam events
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration11 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Delta Air LinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor airline partner at MSY operating approximately 9 daily flights to its Atlanta hub plus service to Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City, and Austin. Maintains a Delta SkyClub lounge at Concourse C (Gate C1) open 5am-6pm daily.
• Southwest AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDominant carrier at MSY with highest frequency operations including daily service to Baltimore (3/day), Dallas-Love (6/day), Houston-Hobby (6/day), Nashville (4/day), and Orlando (5/day). Offers curbside check-in at MSY.
• American AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor carrier at MSY serving Charlotte (5/day), Dallas-Fort Worth (7-8/day), Miami (4/day), Chicago-O'Hare (3/day), New York-LaGuardia (1/day), Philadelphia (3/day), Washington-Reagan (3-4/day), and Phoenix.
• United AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerServes Houston-Intercontinental (8/day), Chicago-O'Hare (3-4/day), Denver (3/day), Newark (3-4/day), San Francisco (1-2/day), and Washington-Dulles (2/day). Maintains a United Club at Gate C7 open 4am-7:15pm daily.
• British AirwayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational airline partner operating 5 weekly flights to London-Heathrow (LHR), the airport's only transatlantic route, connecting New Orleans to international destinations.
• JetBlue AirwaysmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerService to Boston (1-2/day), Fort Lauderdale (2/day), and New York-JFK (1/day).
• Breeze AirwaysmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUltra-low-cost carrier with multiple routes including Charleston (6/week), Jacksonville (2/week), Las Vegas (1/day), Norfolk (2/week), Orlando (5/week), Pittsburgh (2/week), Raleigh/Durham (6/week), Richmond (3/week), Tampa (4/week), and seasonal Cancun service.
• Air CanadamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational service to Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) with 4 flights per week, providing connectivity to Canada's largest city.
• Alaska AirlinesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerService to Seattle (2/day), connecting New Orleans to the Pacific Northwest.
• Sun Country AirlinesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerService to Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) with 3 flights per week, providing seasonal leisure connectivity to the upper Midwest.
• Allegiant AirminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerService to Cincinnati/Covington (CVG) with 2 flights per week.
• Frontier AirlinesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLow-cost carrier serving Atlanta (seasonal, 6/week), Dallas-Fort Worth (2/week), Denver (6/week), Las Vegas (seasonal, 2/week), Orlando (5/week), and Philadelphia (3/week).
• Caesars Rewards AirminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCaesars Entertainment's charter service offering 3-4 night vacation packages featuring round-trip airfare, complimentary hotel accommodations, and ground transportation for trips to and from New Orleans.
• Clear Channel AirportsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive airport advertising partner managing all media at MSY including Digital Networks, Arrivals Digital screens, Large Format Print, and Custom Exhibits. Reaches 12 million annual passengers with unskippable media options.
• New South ParkingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorParking operator managing all airport parking facilities (Valet, Short Term, Long Term, Economy Garage, Surface Lot) totaling over 8,000 spaces. Operates online reservation system with QR code-based entry/exit.
• Alamo Rent A CarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne of ten rental car companies operating at MSY's Rental Car Center (600 Rental Boulevard, Kenner). Connected to terminal by shuttle operating 24/7.
• Avis Budget Group (Avis, Budget, Payless)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAvis Budget Group brands operating at MSY including Avis, Budget, and Payless from the Rental Car Center, connected to the terminal by shuttle.
• Hertz Global Holdings (Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHertz, Dollar, and Thrifty brands operating from MSY's Rental Car Center.
• Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise, National, Alamo)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEnterprise, National, and Alamo brands serving MSY from the Rental Car Center.
• SIXTminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremium car rental brand operating at MSY's Rental Car Center.
• Atlantic AviationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFixed Base Operator (FBO) at MSY's North GA Ramp on Aberdeen Drive. Provides fueling, ground handling, and hangar services for general aviation and charter aircraft.
• Signature Flight SupportcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFixed Base Operator (FBO) at MSY's North GA Ramp at 2200 Aberdeen Street. Provides FBO services for general aviation traffic including fueling and ground operations.
• Visiting Pet Program (MSY K9 KREWE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the Visiting Pet Program to operate the MSY K9 KREWE, an airport therapy animal program. Started in June 2018 with 7 dogs; has grown to over 10 dogs providing stress relief and comfort to passengers.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency responsible for security checkpoint operations at MSY. Operates checkpoint from 3:30am until 30 minutes before last departure. TSA manages PreCheck program, standard screening, and CLEAR lanes at the airport.
• New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoverning body created in 1943 to oversee administration, operation, and maintenance of MSY. Appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans with City Council approval. Oversees all major decisions, capital projects, and airport policy.
• Jefferson Transit Authority (JET)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic transit provider operating the Veterans-Airport (E1) bus service from Level 1 Baggage Claim. Fare is $1.50 within Jefferson Parish or $2.00 to New Orleans.
• Regional Transit Authority (RTA)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOperates the Airport Express (202) bus with service to Downtown New Orleans including Elk Place at Cleveland and Union Passenger Terminal. Bus fare is $1.25.
• CLEARmajorTechnology or IntegrationBiometric identity verification platform providing dedicated CLEAR lanes at MSY's consolidated security checkpoint for both Standard and PreCheck screening. Also provides TSA PreCheck enrollment in minutes.
• HMSHostcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrime concessionaire operating 15 restaurants at MSY including Cure (James Beard Award winner), Shake Shack, and Starbucks. HMSHost employs staff for these concession locations.
• AreascoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrime concessionaire operating 13 restaurants at MSY including Leah's Kitchen (honoring Chef Leah Chase), Cafe du Monde, and additional dining locations.
• Paradies LagarderecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrime concessionaire operating 12 locations including Vino Volo wine bar and CNBC news/retail locations at MSY.
• StellarmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrime concessionaire operating 6 locations at MSY including New Stand and Dirty Coast (New Orleans-based t-shirt company).
• Airports Council International (ACI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal airport trade association through which MSY has been recognized as Best Airport in North America for five consecutive years and inducted into the Director General's Roll of Excellence. Director Dolliole serves as Chair of ACI-NA Board of Directors.
• Airport Dimensions (The Club MSY)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAirport lounge operator that partnered with MSY to renovate and operate The Club MSY lounge adjacent to Concourse A, unveiled in February 2026.
• Air GeneralminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides concierge meet and greet services at MSY including dedicated arrival/departure assistance, interline transfers, baggage services, and transportation arrangements. Contact: [email protected] or 844-377-9674.
• Perq SoleilminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremium meet and greet service provider at MSY offering curbside welcome, expedited security, escort to lounge, personal shopping, flight monitoring, and gate escort for departures; airside meet and baggage escort for arrivals. Also offers baggage storage and delivery.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: Operated by the City of Atlanta's Department of Aviation, ATL is the busiest airport in the world and MSY's primary connecting hub via Delta. Both are US municipal airport operators running commercial terminals, parking, concessions, and air service development functions on a comparable business model.
• Tampa International Airport: Hillsborough County Aviation Authority operates TPA, a comparable mid/large-hub Florida/Gulf Coast airport. Similar passenger volume category, comparable award-winning customer service reputation, similar mix of domestic plus limited international service, and similar municipal operating model.
• Nashville International Airport: MNAA-operated mid-size hub experiencing strong post-pandemic passenger growth, similar in scale and trajectory to MSY. Comparable role as a regional leisure/business gateway with active terminal expansion and air service development programs.
• San Antonio International Airport: City of San Antonio-operated mid-size Texas hub, previously led by Director Kevin Dolliole. Operates with similar concession-driven, multi-airline business model and comparable passenger volumes to MSY in the 8-10M annual range.
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport: City of St. Louis-owned Lambert is a mid-size commercial airport also previously led by Kevin Dolliole, who oversaw a $1.1B airfield/runway construction there. Comparable municipal ownership, multi-airline model, and active capital program profile.
• Denver International Airport: City and County of Denver-operated DEN is a large-hub US airport with significant land for expansion, multi-airline model, and award-winning service reputation. Operates as a direct functional peer despite DEN's larger scale.
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport: Houston Airports system operates IAH, a large-hub commercial airport with United Airlines as a major carrier, comparable international connectivity patterns (Latin America and Europe), and similar Gulf South catchment overlap with MSY.
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport: DFW is a joint-operated large-hub commercial airport with American Airlines dominance, comparable capital expansion programs, multi-terminal complex, and similar mix of domestic trunk plus international service.

Broad incumbents

• Southwest Airlines: Southwest is MSY's dominant airline partner by frequency and capacity. Not a facility peer, but a strategic counterparty whose schedule decisions materially shape MSY's traffic, fee revenue, and competitive positioning.

Others

• HMSHost: HMSHost operates 15 of MSY's restaurants as a prime concessionaire and is part of the broader airport F&B ecosystem. Not a competing airport, but a comparable touchpoint in the airport commercial operating stack and a useful comparison for concession economics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/flyneworleans
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCQuqXH2NC5WRdI5ZA5W_r-w
• Facebookfacebook.com/MSYAirport
• Instagraminstagram.com/flyneworleans

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport