Clinton National Airport

What Clinton National Airport does

Clinton National Airport (IATA: LIT), originally established in 1917 as the Little Rock Intermediate Air Depot, is a publicly-owned commercial airport in Little Rock, Arkansas, operated by the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission on behalf of the City of Little Rock and renamed in March 2012 to honor former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The airport serves as the primary commercial aviation gateway for central Arkansas, accommodating approximately 2 million passengers annually through more than 80 daily flights operated by six major airlines (Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United) across 16 nonstop destinations spanning the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, and West regions of the United States. The airport is self-supporting, generating all operating and capital funds through airline fees, passenger facility charges, concession agreements, parking revenue, and commercial real estate leasing — with no local or state tax appropriations — and producing approximately $1.7 billion in annual regional economic benefit while supporting 3,000+ jobs across its 2,100-acre campus.

The airport's core product portfolio spans commercial air travel services, parking, ground transportation, terminal dining and retail, passenger amenities, and commercial real estate. Technical infrastructure includes a 760-well geothermal wellfield with closed-loop HVAC system targeting an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (under a $117M Central Utility Plant project led by Clark Contractors LLC), a sensor-based high-tech parking guidance system, and free Wi-Fi delivering more than 150 Mbps per device. The airport is executing a multi-phase Terminal Redevelopment Program with $300-350M in planned capital investment including a new arrivals hall, additional gates, terminal renovations, parking expansion (1,700-2,200 new spaces), and sustainability upgrades, supported by three of four Green Globes certification progress. The leadership transition to Suzanne Peyton as Executive Director in January 2026 is intended to provide continuity over the planning, construction, and operations portfolio she has overseen since 2021.

The business model operates on a multi-stream transaction-fee structure: airlines pay landing, gate, counter, and RON parking fees; passengers pay parking ($10-$15/day across economy and garage tiers), TSA PreCheck enrollment fees ($76.75 for 5 years), and ground transport fees via rental car, taxi, ride-share, shuttle, and METRO Connect providers; concessionaires HMSHost (F&B — Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, Chili's, Great American Bagel, Riverbend Bar) and Hudson Group (retail — Hudson News) generate revenue through exclusive operating agreements; and Departure Media, Inc. monetizes in-terminal advertising reaching 2 million+ annual passengers. The airport serves four primary customer segments: air travelers (horizontal), commercial airlines (B2B with ASIP incentive program), ground transportation and concession operators (channel/reseller), and aviation businesses (Envoy Air MRO operations, hangar leasing). Real estate monetization includes a 100,000 sq ft aircraft maintenance facility with airside ramp access at 400 Dave Grundfest Jr. Dr., situated in an opportunity zone.

Name

Clinton National Airport

Legal name

Clinton National Airport

Website

https://clintonairport.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1917

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Clinton National Airport is a publicly-owned commercial airport in Little Rock, Arkansas serving 2 million+ annual passengers with 80+ daily flights across 16 destinations via six major airlines, generating $1.7 billion in regional economic impact without local or state tax funding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Little Rock

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Airport User Fees: Clinton National Airport is self-supporting and generates revenue through fees paid by airlines, passengers, and businesses operating at the airport. No local or state tax dollars are used for operations or capital improvements.
2. Landing and Facility Fees: Airlines pay landing fees, gate fees, counter fees, and aircraft RON parking fees for using airport facilities.
3. Terminal Concessions: HMSHost operates food and beverage outlets; Hudson Group operates retail/newsstand. Airport receives concession revenue from these exclusive operators.
4. In-Terminal Advertising: Departure Media, Inc. manages advertising and sponsorships throughout the terminal, reaching over 2 million annual passengers.
5. Real Estate and Leasing: Airport generates revenue from commercial real estate including hangar space, office space, and land leases. Existing 100,000 square foot aircraft maintenance facility at 400 Dave Grundfest Jr. Dr. with airside ramp access.
6. Parking Fees: Multiple parking options from $10/day economy to $15/day terminal garage, plus hourly rates and metered parking.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Clinton National Airport operates a self-supporting commercial aviation gateway in Little Rock, Arkansas, delivering scheduled passenger air service through six major airlines (Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United, Frontier) with 80+ daily flights to approximately 16 nonstop destinations, serving over 2 million annual passengers. The airport monetizes airline and tenant use of its facilities via landing, gate, counter, and RON parking fees, and supplements flight operations with parking, terminal concessions (food, beverage, retail), ground transportation aggregation, in-terminal advertising, real estate and hangar leasing, and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry enrollment services.

Product overview

Clinton National Airport operates as a self-supporting public airport serving Little Rock, Arkansas (IATA: LIT), welcoming approximately 2 million passengers annually. The airport offers a unified service portfolio centered on commercial air travel through six major airlines (American, Southwest, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Frontier) providing over 80 daily flights to more than 15 nonstop destinations. Core services include airport parking (with smart parking guidance technology), ground transportation (rental cars, ride-sharing, shuttles), and dine & shop options (HMSHost food venues, Hudson Group retail). The airport provides passenger amenities such as free high-speed Wi-Fi (>150 Mbps per device), TSA PreCheck and Global Entry enrollment services, Mobile ID verification via Apple/Google/Samsung Wallet, accessibility services, pet relief areas, and mother's nursing rooms. The Terminal Redevelopment Program is underway with completed improvements including a curbside canopy and terrazzo flooring, plus infrastructure improvements featuring a 760-well geothermal system for 85% reduction in greenhouse emissions. Business services include commercial real estate leasing (hangar space, maintenance facilities), in-terminal advertising, and supplier/contractor opportunities. The airport has achieved three of four Green Globes sustainability certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Commercial Air Travel Services Scheduled passenger air service operated through six major airlines (Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United, and Frontier) providing more than 80 daily flights to over 15 nonstop destinations, serving business and leisure travelers in Central Arkansas.
• Airport Parking Services Multi-tier passenger parking including East Economy ($10/day with shuttle), East Hourly (first 45 minutes free, then $3/hour, $15 daily max), Terminal Garage ($15/day covered), and additional EV charging stations, with a high-tech sensor-based guidance system that directs drivers to open spaces.
• Ground Transportation Aggregation Aggregator service connecting passengers with eight rental car brands (Avis, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, plus Turo), taxis (ZTrip), ride-sharing (Uber, Lyft), shuttle and limo operators (InterCity, Joel Enterprises, Twin City Limo, Journey On, Nick-Taylor, Ambassador), and METRO Connect public transit.
• Terminal Dine & Shop Concessions Food and beverage outlets (Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, Chili's, Great American Bagel, Riverbend Bar) operated by HMSHost and retail/newsstand (Daily News, Hudson News) operated by Hudson Group, plus a food truck vendor program for passengers.
• TSA PreCheck Enrollment On-site TSA PreCheck enrollment office located on the 3rd level of the terminal above the TSA Security Checkpoint, open Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., with five-year enrollment priced at $76.75 and no appointment required.
• Airport Real Estate and Leasing Commercial real estate opportunities on the LIT campus, including a 100,000 sq ft aircraft maintenance facility with airside ramp access at 400 Dave Grundfest Jr. Dr., plus hangar, office, and land leases — located in an opportunity zone with potential tax incentives.
• In-Terminal Advertising and Sponsorships Advertising and sponsorship placements throughout the LIT terminal reaching over 2 million annual passengers, managed by Departure Media, Inc. as the airport's advertising partner.
• Air Service Incentive Program (ASIP) Airline route development program offering fee waivers (landing, gate, counter, RON parking) plus up to $75,000 in marketing support for new or expanded nonstop air service originating or terminating at LIT, with campaigns required to be Little Rock-specific and include the airport logo.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2 million+ annual passengers
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Envoy Air Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026Subsidiary of American Airlines Group expanding aircraft maintenance facility at Clinton National Airport and establishing first Center of Excellence for advanced sheet metal, carbon composite work, landing gear inspections. Creating at least 12 new specialized aircraft maintenance jobs over two years. Capital investment of more than $600,000.
• Clark Contractors LLCcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner$117 million Central Utility Plant (CUP) project led by Clark Contractors LLC, which includes relocating underground utilities and building a geothermal wellfield as foundational infrastructure for future terminal expansion.
• American AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor airline partner operating Envoy Air maintenance and ground handling services. Service to Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C.
• HMSHostcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive operator of food and beverage outlets within Clinton National Airport including Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, Chili's, Great American Bagel, and Riverbend Bar.
• Hudson GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive operator of retail and newsstand offerings within Clinton National Airport including Daily News and Hudson News locations.
• Departure Media, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerManages in-terminal advertising and sponsorships for Clinton National Airport, reaching over 2 million annual passengers. Contact: [email protected] or 843-571-2299.
• Rental Car Companies (Avis, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEight rental car brands operating on-site with counters and ready/return spaces in parking deck area. Contact via airport website for locations and reservations.
• Ride-Sharing Companies (Lyft, Uber)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRide-sharing pickup zones located near entrance to parking deck via Exit Door F. Designated Ride Share Area spot two for Uber/Lyft.
• Shuttle Service Providers (InterCity Transportation, Joel Enterprises, Twin City Limo, Journey On, Nick-Taylor Limo, Ambassador City Chauffeurs)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMultiple shuttle and limousine services operating from Clinton National Airport. InterCity Transportation: 501-247-8006. Shuttle pickup at Exit D near Carousel 3.
• METRO ConnectminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic transportation service connecting airport to Little Rock area. Call METRO Dispatch at 501-476-3761 or use METRO Connect app to schedule pickup.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA): Mid-size Arkansas commercial airport serving a comparable state-region passenger base with multiple airline partners. Closest geographic peer and direct substitute for Central Arkansas travelers considering alternative fly markets.
• Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF): Mid-size Midwestern commercial airport with comparable passenger volumes and similar reliance on legacy and ULCC airline partners under a municipal airport authority structure.
• Pensacola International Airport (PNS): Mid-size Gulf Coast commercial airport of comparable size with a similar mix of leisure and business travelers and multiple airline partners. Operates comparable terminal concession, parking, and advertising revenue model.
• Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM): Mid-size Southeastern US commercial airport serving a state capital region with multiple legacy and ULCC carriers. Operates under a municipal airport authority model with self-supporting fee-based revenue similar to LIT.
• Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF): Mid-size commercial airport serving a comparable metro with multiple legacy and ULCC carriers. Operates under a regional airport authority with similar airline-fee, parking, and concession revenue streams.
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL): Mid-size Oklahoma commercial airport with comparable passenger throughput and a similar mix of network and ULCC airlines. Publicly operated airport authority with comparable terminal-concession and parking revenue model.
• Huntsville International Airport (HSV): Southeast regional commercial airport of similar scale serving a mid-sized metro with multiple airline partners. Operates comparable F&B, retail, parking, and rental-car concessions.
• Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT): Mid-size central-US commercial airport with similar passenger throughput, airline mix, and self-supporting airport-authority structure. Closely comparable in scale and operations to LIT.
• Memphis International Airport (MEM): Mid-South commercial hub that draws passengers from the same three-state region served by Clinton National. Operates under an airport authority structure with similar revenue mix from airlines, concessions, parking, and real estate.

Regional players

• Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN): Mid-size Deep South commercial airport of comparable scale serving a state-capital region. Operates comparable airline fee, parking, and concession economics under a regional airport authority structure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/litairport
• Facebookfacebook.com/ClintonNationalAirport
• Instagraminstagram.com/litairport
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clintonnationalairport

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 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 Clinton National Airport