1925 replies to this topic

[wrldcoupe4]

Wow! you're right burt, what a fantastic article! Some key excerpts:

Airport Expansion Leads to Changes
JetBlue could be next low-fare carrier to land at RIC

Tom Lappas
Henrico Citizen
Friday, May 27, 2005

Commuters traveling to or from Richmond International Airport (RIC) can expect some changes during the next month, as the airport's $50-million terminal expansion project progresses.

The expansion ultimately will give the airport a modern two-story terminal with a corresponding two-level road (one level for departures, the other for arrivals). It also will bring new restaurants and an expanded security checkpoint. Completion is anticipated by spring of 2007...............

...More Airlines Coming to Town?

The changes are part of a makeover that Mathiasen and local officials hope will make RIC a more attractive airport ­ for commuters and airlines alike......

.......AirTran's arrival already has caused competing airlines to lower their fares to and from Richmond ­ in some cases by as much as 76 percent, Mathiasen sadi.....

....Another low-far airline ­Jet Blue ­could begin service in Richmond by this time next year, Mathiasen said. Jet Blue is in the process of purchasing new airplanes, which are expected to debut at the end of this year. Once that process is complete, the timeframe for the airline's arrival in Richmond should become clearer.

Mathiasen also is hopeful that Southwest Airlines will arrive in Richmond by 2007 or 2008. But Southwest currently is focusing most of its efforts on larger markets, he said, so its anticipated arrival date in Richmond could change.

In addition, RIC may benefit from the anticipated merger between USAirways and America West, which would likely reduce fares and open new western markets to Richmond.

"We might realize a benefit by the addition of nonstop flights to Phoenix or Las Vegas, for example," he said.

Also on the horizon at RIC:

# construction of two fly-over bridges on Airport Drive, which will make it easier for commuters to enter and exit the terminal area. The current maze of stop-signs and criss-crossing roads has caused a number of accidents, Mathiasen said. Construction of the $12-million project should begin late this year or in early 2006.

# installation of a $15-million, state-of-the-art baggage scanning security system. RIC was promised $8 million in federal funding for the system, but that money isn't currently available, because it was spent to install similar systems at the nation's eight busiest airports, Mathiasen said. Richmond would be one of the few airports with such a system, but it could be several years before it's implemented, he said. Officials are hoping to secure federal money from another source in the coming months.

# new dining and beverage options, expected to open in mid-2006. Bids from companies interested in locating restaurants at the airport are due June 14, and the airport commission will award contracts to winning bidders in August. Mathiasen envisions restaurants in the mold of TGI Friday's, Chili's or Starbucks to be among those selected.

article

[eandslee]

Sorry, guys.  I've been away for a couple days because of work, but YEAH! I love this article on the airport!  It is absolutely great news!  I almost jumped out of my seat reading it!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that both, Jet Blue and Southwest, show up soon at RIC.  Then I think we'd have a good, close to world class airport!  Thanks for posting the article!

[eandslee]

In case you were wondering, and if you are like me and don't live in Richmond, here is a link to the new billboards advertising Air Tran in Richmond.  The billboards apparantly are on I-95 and on I-64:

A PDF file:

Billboard Samples

[wrldcoupe4]

Adding on to that, Ukrop's is welcoming/advertising AirTrans arrival on their paper shopping bags

[wrldcoupe4]

eric I know youll love this article.....It even more great news about RIC. This year has been incredible for the airport:

AIRPORT: Discount fares just one bargain anticipated at RIC

CHIP JONES
POINT OF VIEW

Jun 6, 2005

It could be a year for bargains in and around Richmond International Airport......

........Addressing the Capital Region Airport Commission, Mathiasen said, "This next fiscal year will be a very exciting year" in terms of discounts -- and not just for air fares. But the biggest news is on the fare front.

On June 23, AirTran Airways will start service from Richmond to Atlanta, Philadelphia and Boston -- a development that already has driven down air fares and is expected to bring long-needed competitive pricing to Richmond's airport.

AirTran's lowest round-trip fare offering of $158, plus fees and taxes, to Atlanta is expected to keep rival Delta's fares in line; the same is expected for several other airlines serving the Philadelphia-Boston markets.

The second bargain Mathiasen mentioned involves parking. Starting July 1, rates in three economy lots -- A, B, and C will drop by $1 a day, to $6.

The reduction was in anticipation of an expected surge in passenger volume, as the airport expects to serve 600,000 additional customers over the next year.

The $10 daily rate at the garages in front of the terminal won't change. The 14 percent reduction at the three other lots is expected to cost the airport $200,000 in revenue next fiscal year.

Officials are hoping that the increase in passenger volume will make up for the price cut.

The third discount the airport anticipates is still a few more months away: The opening of a Wawa station on South Airport Drive near the facility's main entrance.

This could spark some price competition in the area, Mathiasen said.

Lori Bruce, public relations manager for Wawa Inc., said the convenience store retailer is working on getting final approval for its site plan from Henrico. Once it gets all the right permits, she said, construction should start within two months.

"It would be one of our gateway sites to Richmond, which is exciting," she said, noting the close proximity to the airport and Interstate 64........

..........The six-acre property at 500 S. Airport Drive could see other commercial or retail development, but nothing has been decided, airport officials said.

[burt]

I flew in and out of Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood last week, and that is one busy airport, especially in light of Miami International being only 30 miles away and West Palm Beach only 60 miles north.

Thus, the arguement that RIC is too close to big hubs in the DC and HR areas to compete makes no sense to me.

I'm sure  I read some years ago that a proposed runway extension at RIC which could handle the biggest jets was vetoed by someone  who at that time had the power to do so.

[wrldcoupe4]

I agree, now that the prices have dropped considerably, Richmond will have no excuse to underperform. So far, it has been very successful this year. Shame big jets couldn't have flown here though I'm not sure we really have a demand for the largest jets...

[eandslee]

Yeah, I had heard a number of years ago, that the airport was considering extending one of the runways, but I never heard what became of that.  Thanks burt, for letting me know what happened with that.  It is disappointing to hear that the runway extension was voted down.  I really think that Richmond can hand the "big" jets and with all of the people in and around Richmond, especially north of Richmond, RIC could be a very plausible alternative airport for Northern Virginia and just Virginia as a whole because of its central location.  I agree with you, Burt, just because there are big airports north of Richmond in DC, doesn't mean that RIC cannot flourish.  I believe that there is a huge demand for air travel in Central Virginia, I just think that everyone has been flocking to the DC area because of the outrageous prices and the limited airlines that fly in and out of the area.  If airlines really look at what Richmond has going for it, as far as air travel possibilities are concerned, the sky is the limit...REALLY!  I really hope that Jet Blue lands in Richmond with in the year and I also hope Southwest will follow suit.  If RIC can do that, our airport will see a huge change and will grow leaps and bounds.  It would also be nice to get a few international flights in and out of RIC, which would provide a great alternative to going to DC to fly internationally.  I really believe there is a market for this type of air travel in Central Virginia, it just hasn't been tapped yet because everyone assumes it's "best" to go to DC.  If RIC offered international flights, I envision even more people flying in and out of RIC.  I could go on and on, but it suffices me to say that Richmond International Airport has great potential, people/airlines just need to give it a chance!

[burt]

According to Chip Jones' column in todays RTD Business Section, AirTran's advance bookings from RIC are strong.

[wrldcoupe4]

I read the article also...this seemed promising:

Quote

"So far it is booking very similarly to our newest market, Charlotte, which also has a strong business base, and we are extremely pleased with how that market is performing," said AirTran spokeswoman Judy Graham-Weaver. "Before we start flying planes into the market it is always tough to get an accurate sense of how it will perform, but so far Richmond is performing in line with our projections.".....

.......Airport spokesman Troy Bell said, "We don't have specific numbers, but AirTran looks at a 'build rate'" for new markets. "And the build rate for Richmond service has outpaced their system average."

whole article

[wrldcoupe4]

and to confirm what I said about the Airtran on Ukrop's bags:

On the bag
Ukrop's Super Markets is putting some of its marketing muscle behind the upcoming arrival of low-cost airline AirTran Airways.

Paper bags distributed to customers shopping at the area's No. 1 grocery chain sport welcome messages for the Orlando, Fla.-based airline.

"We are glad to promote this because it will help our region," said Robert S. Ukrop, the chain's president and CEO.

Ukrop's changes the designs of its paper bags about eight to 12 times a year. Sometimes the look may be for the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays. Other times it might be to promote one of its programs, such as the Brand Bonanza, pharmacy or the community groups that are assisted from its Valued Customer Card program.

The AirTran bag arrived in stores the week before Memorial Day. The promotion will end around July 1.

Ukrop's isn't endorsing the airline or showing favoritism, he said. "It is all about supporting improved air service out of Richmond.".............

whole article

[burt]

Eric, check out today's RTD.  There's a good story about AirTran.  Aparently the 1st weekend's flights to Atlanta are all but sold out.

[eandslee]

burt, on Jun 18 2005, 07:21 AM, said:

Eric, check out today's RTD.  There's a good story about AirTran.  Aparently the 1st weekend's flights to Atlanta are all but sold out.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey, I'm back!  Thanks for pointing out the article, Burt.  It was a very good read indeed!  Can't wait to see Air Tran flying in and out of Richmond...just 3 more days to go!

[burt]

I thought that was an excellent story, too, Eric.  I never thought about how much organizing and training has to go into setting up such an operation.  I guess AirTrans' entry into the market must have added several dozen employees at RIC.

[wrldcoupe4]

If we can really support Airtran, not only will they expand the cities they fly non-stop to, but I guarantee it will be noticed by Southwest and Jet Blue. RIC is beginning to thrive!

[burt]

There's another story in RTD today, Eric, dealing with the type of aircraft AirTran will use.

[eandslee]

burt, on Jun 20 2005, 08:49 AM, said:

There's another story in RTD today, Eric, dealing with the type of aircraft AirTran will use.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep, that was the first article I read from the paper today when I got home from work.  They are really building Air Tran up...I hope it continues!  You're right Coupe, I do believe that if we can support Air Tran here like crazy, it will only be a matter of a short time before Southwest and definitely, JetBlue start flying in and out of here!  How exciting!

[eandslee]

I wonder if articles like this one still hold water.  Apparantly in 2003, Southwest Airlines still had plans to come to Richmond following the contruction of a terminal in Islip NY.  Here's the article I'm speaking of:

article

Edited by eandslee, 22 June 2005 - 09:59 PM.

[eandslee]

Holycow!  I just went to the Times Dispatch website and found tons of Air Tran advertisements!  It's just crazy!

Times Dispatch

[wrldcoupe4]

lol holy sh*t man that is a lot. I guess its becuase service starts tomorrow. I expect the local media to be swarming all over this all day tomorrow. Times are a changin!!!!!!!