South Burlington, VT– If you’re flying in or out of South Burlington, you might notice something different on your ticket. The airport is now officially ‘Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport,’ with a new logo in honor of Vermont’s longest-serving senator.

Aviation Director Nic Longo said the new identity celebrates the airport’s past and Leahy’s contributions to its growth, including his efforts to secure $34 million to transform the North Terminal in 2024.

Longo said the airport now serves more than 1.4 million passengers every year, and it’s on target to surpass pre-pandemic numbers by the end of the year.

“We are Leahy BTV,” he said.

State officials say Leahy spearheaded the transformation of the airport into one of New England’s busiest in the last decade. The former senator still wants to see it grow bigger.

“It is quite a thrill and I’m very touched by it,” he said. “It’s a great airport, and the potential — I want to see larger airplanes come in here.”

Mayor Miro Weinberger commended Leahy for his continued support of the nearby National Guard and Beta Technologies. “It’s not just for our country you’ve delivered,” the mayor said. “Vermont is a much different, better, and more vibrant place because of your work.”

Gov. Phil Scott echoed just how much Leahy contributed in his time of service.

“He introduced 1,768 bills, and cast 17,374 votes, the second most in senate history,” he said. “Not bad for a kid from Washington County.”

Leahy’s first flight since retiring is coming up on Sunday. He says he’s excited to return to Washington D.C. from an airport now bearing his name.

“It’s going to seem strange in a way, in a happy way,” says Leahy.