Jump to content

Nashville International Airport Development thread


Lexy

Recommended Posts

lexy yesterday i flew into bna and was impressed with the new additions. Hopefully more are to come. However, flying in, I noticed that the outside appearance of our airport is a little bland. Any rumors going on about some remodeling?

I haven't heard anything about the outside of the airport. It certainly isn't the most attractive from the outside, but in comparison to some, it is still quite nice of course.

If I hear anything I will let everyone know.

SOme news of note, Frontier is suspending their Cancun flight effective June 1st. We are not the only market to get the cuts as Indianapolis and some others are suffereing cuts due to the right sizing of Frontier. Frontier hasn't been in the best of financial shape for the last few months and this is all part of a restructuring and refocusing by their new CEO. Plus fuel cost and Apple Vacations problems probably played some part in this. Apple Vacations is a major player in the flights to Cancun for Frontier in a number of markets including here.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


SOme news of note, Frontier is suspending their Cancun flight effective June 1st. We are not the only market to get the cuts as Indianapolis and some others are suffereing cuts due to the right sizing of Frontier. Frontier hasn't been in the best of financial shape for the last few months and this is all part of a restructuring and refocusing by their new CEO. Plus fuel cost and Apple Vacations problems probably played some part in this. Apple Vacations is a major player in the flights to Cancun for Frontier in a number of markets including here.

It's really sad that Frontier is basically receding back to focus solely on Denver ops. It seems as though they are trying to pay attention to competition from Southwest at DEN and hopefully overcome it. Unfortunately, this isn't good news for all of the cities that basically have had to see a reduction in service...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's really sad that Frontier is basically receding back to focus solely on Denver ops. It seems as though they are trying to pay attention to competition from Southwest at DEN and hopefully overcome it. Unfortunately, this isn't good news for all of the cities that basically have had to see a reduction in service...

NB, I couldn't agree with you more. It's a real shame.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will be flying Frontier to DEN for the first time tomorrow. Looking forward to the experience. I'll let you guys know how it goes. Also, they just announced service to several new ski destinations from DEN, including Aspen, Jackson Hole, Bozeman, and Durango starting in May. So for us skiers out there, it will be a little easier to get to some of our favorite resorts from BNA. We're flying Frontier to Denver then driving to Aspen because the only way to fly there was on United via DEN or on a once-daily Delta via SLC and the prices were ridiculous. They also added Colorado Springs(how long is that flight? ha!), Fargo, and Grand Junction from DEN.

As far as the BNA renovations: I guess I'm just disapointed. I travel quite a bit for work and get to see what other cities have done recently with their airports and I just feel like Nashville could have done better / deserves better. The renovations(yes, I know they're not complete and I HAVE seen the plans) just seem average to me. Maybe I'm too picky, I don't know. I really wish they would do a more comprehensive overhaul and really open up the airport with high ceilings and a lot of glass. Just my two cents.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I enjoyed my flight on Frontier to Denver from Nashville. Everything seems to run on time. I am glad to hear they are opening up Bozeman and Jackson Hole. Last time I flew to Jackson I flew American which was not bad. Had a layover in Dallas on the way and Chicago on the way back. I am glad I will have another option now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As far as the BNA renovations: I guess I'm just disapointed. I travel quite a bit for work and get to see what other cities have done recently with their airports and I just feel like Nashville could have done better / deserves better. The renovations(yes, I know they're not complete and I HAVE seen the plans) just seem average to me. Maybe I'm too picky, I don't know. I really wish they would do a more comprehensive overhaul and really open up the airport with high ceilings and a lot of glass. Just my two cents.

I can understand. But again, the airlines do foot part of the bill for renovations, especially those renovations at their gates. So I would err on the side of caution and just be glad something is being done that will improve the overall impression inside the airport. If you travel, chances are you are travelling to cities that are bigger and busier than ours and in that case, the airports are larger and have more offereings. And nowadays, chances are, they are more modern or "up to date" than ours. The airport here is over twenty years old and for it's age, I think it STILL looks great for the most part. It is still very modern and quite pleasing to be in overall. I hardly ever hear of anyone saying it's a bad airport to visit. There are plenty of larger cities with larger airports that would love to have a terminal as nice as the one we have. Same goes for some cities our own size.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I enjoyed my flight on Frontier to Denver from Nashville. Everything seems to run on time. I am glad to hear they are opening up Bozeman and Jackson Hole. Last time I flew to Jackson I flew American which was not bad. Had a layover in Dallas on the way and Chicago on the way back. I am glad I will have another option now.

I'm assuming that you would transfer in Denver to get to Bozeman or Jackson Hole. Is that correct? I'd think I was dreaming if Nashville could get nonstop service to those cities.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lexy,

I heard a rumor a while back at the airport that Air China may want to do international passenger service out of BNA in the far distant future. Have you heard anything about that?

I think you are talking about China Airlines who already flies here in their cargo operation as you know. Air China is a China flag carrier that hardly flies to the US as it is. Honestly, it isn't possible unless they had a hub here to connect to. I don't see it happening in my lifetime. The only way you could fly them from Nashville would be to connect to them in either NYC or LAX.

Yeah Hank, you would connect in Denver.

Edited by Lexy
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm assuming that you would transfer in Denver to get to Bozeman or Jackson Hole. Is that correct? I'd think I was dreaming if Nashville could get nonstop service to those cities.

You are correct Hank, There would be a layover in Denver which is not nearly as bad as trying to connect in Dallas or Chicago. It would be great to have non stop to those cities, but we would have to have a hub here for sure.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lexy, thanks for the pictures of the "British". They flew directly over my house the other day, about 250' up. Incredible! I thought I was seeing things. My dog wasn't having any of it though.

No problem!

Unfortunatly, the Nimrod MRA4 has now left Nashville for good. She departed Sunday morning at 9:15am for Bermuda, then back to the UK. Bermuda was a re-fueling stop and then she hops across the ocean to the island.

BUT! There are some REALLY neat surprises (as in visitors) coming up later this month over at Embraer. Stay tuned!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can understand. But again, the airlines do foot part of the bill for renovations, especially those renovations at their gates. So I would err on the side of caution and just be glad something is being done that will improve the overall impression inside the airport. If you travel, chances are you are travelling to cities that are bigger and busier than ours and in that case, the airports are larger and have more offereings. And nowadays, chances are, they are more modern or "up to date" than ours. The airport here is over twenty years old and for it's age, I think it STILL looks great for the most part. It is still very modern and quite pleasing to be in overall. I hardly ever hear of anyone saying it's a bad airport to visit. There are plenty of larger cities with larger airports that would love to have a terminal as nice as the one we have. Same goes for some cities our own size.

I guess we'll have to sort of agree to disagree on some of this. After flying out of the A Concourse this week and talking with friends and people around me, I still think BNA needs an overhaul. The A Concourse is a joke. It's dark, musty, and smells awful. We started calling it the "bus station".

I still don't understand why they didn't remodel the restrooms at BNA first. They are disgusting and embarrassing. Toilets that don't work, never any hot water, and the paper towel dispensers aren't hands-free. The place is so filthy it's almost comical. The baggage claim area needs help, as well. I really think some subtle updates like lighting and paint would really help. I will say, though, that the the new AB Apex food court is nice. The Noshville looks great. I also look forward to the new consolidated security lines.

Lexy, how is the MNAA funded? Also, how were these latest renovations funded? Was there any kind of bond issue involved? What do you think the future holds for the airport as far as renovations and/or expansions? Will we see a new terminal in the next 10-20 years? Thanks, in advance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So my first Frontier experience went really well. Flights to and from Denver were on time. Both flights were completely full. In fact, one was oversold. Really enjoyed the Airbus...smooth ride. Flight attendants were extremely nice, professionally dressed(and attractive), used an actual beverage cart, gave you the can if you wanted, and came back by offering bottled water later. They seemed genuinely happy to be there. Pillows and blankets were plentiful. Also, loved the moveable head rests. Best of all, was the DirectTV. Got to watch a movie and then a basketball game on the flight back. I would definitely fly them again. I wish they had more flights from here.

Lexy, any chance they will add any flights out of here? I know they are kind of cutting costs right now with a new CEO in charge.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So my first Frontier experience went really well. Flights to and from Denver were on time. Both flights were completely full. In fact, one was oversold. Really enjoyed the Airbus...smooth ride. Flight attendants were extremely nice, professionally dressed(and attractive), used an actual beverage cart, gave you the can if you wanted, and came back by offering bottled water later. They seemed genuinely happy to be there. Pillows and blankets were plentiful. Also, loved the moveable head rests. Best of all, was the DirectTV. Got to watch a movie and then a basketball game on the flight back. I would definitely fly them again. I wish they had more flights from here.

Lexy, any chance they will add any flights out of here? I know they are kind of cutting costs right now with a new CEO in charge.

Frontier is a great airline and I have heard nothing but good stuff about them. it is doubtful they will add anything from here except perhaps more flights to Denver.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I guess we'll have to sort of agree to disagree on some of this. After flying out of the A Concourse this week and talking with friends and people around me, I still think BNA needs an overhaul. The A Concourse is a joke. It's dark, musty, and smells awful. We started calling it the "bus station".

I still don't understand why they didn't remodel the restrooms at BNA first. They are disgusting and embarrassing. Toilets that don't work, never any hot water, and the paper towel dispensers aren't hands-free. The place is so filthy it's almost comical. The baggage claim area needs help, as well. I really think some subtle updates like lighting and paint would really help. I will say, though, that the the new AB Apex food court is nice. The Noshville looks great. I also look forward to the new consolidated security lines.

Lexy, how is the MNAA funded? Also, how were these latest renovations funded? Was there any kind of bond issue involved? What do you think the future holds for the airport as far as renovations and/or expansions? Will we see a new terminal in the next 10-20 years? Thanks, in advance.

A isn't used by any major airlines so that would be why it is the least "pretty" of the three concourses. With the exception of Frontier, all that use it is regionals and they aren't about to foot the bill to have it upgraded.

The renovations were funded in part by funds from the government and airlines (mainly American and Southwest). The MNAA funded it through bonds I believe as well. Don't quote me on that, but I think they had something of that type to fund it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

POTUS was back yesterday and thought I would share a couple of pics from the visit.

First is the C-5B that was used to get his motorcade here from Andrews AFB. And the second is him leaving.

2325713572_f77b375ca7_o.jpg

2327270267_b6a1d46762_o.jpg

Many of you on here know about FedEx, but I wonder how many have seen what their ramp area here looks like. This is it from a couple of days ago.

2325742072_f9a5e0f246_o.jpg

Remember: Southwest Airlines' Nashville-Norfolk flights start May 10th!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great shots Lexy. Sorry I missed this one, but I have now seen AF1 about 5 times, maybe more and all in Nashville. Seems Nashville has had a lot of visits in the last 16 years.

There was a good article on Channel 5 tonight about he remodeling of the airport. One thing they did say was that there was going to be more over the next couple of years including the restrooms. I think that was brought up by someone.

Also I have noticed RW 31A is closed now and I saw they are going to close 2R. Are those the right names for the runways? I get confused when I try to remember. These are closed for repairs I think. I know it has changed the landing & take off patterns at BNA.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great shots Lexy. Sorry I missed this one, but I have now seen AF1 about 5 times, maybe more and all in Nashville. Seems Nashville has had a lot of visits in the last 16 years.

There was a good article on Channel 5 tonight about he remodeling of the airport. One thing they did say was that there was going to be more over the next couple of years including the restrooms. I think that was brought up by someone.

Also I have noticed RW 31A is closed now and I saw they are going to close 2R. Are those the right names for the runways? I get confused when I try to remember. These are closed for repairs I think. I know it has changed the landing & take off patterns at BNA.

13/31 is closed for repairs and 20L/2R will be closing next month for repair work as well. It's all part of the renovation projects at the airport.

Thanks everyone!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Saw on the news that the airport had some cool new shuttle buses running.

Yes they do. You can see them over by the operations center off Hangar LN. They are nice looking!

A little flight info, the Salt Lake City flight is being dropped thanks to fuel prices. Delta is redoing a number of routes and flights. Canceling some and dropping some to seasonal only. Unfortuantly, this was one that was dropped completely.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lex...that shot of AF 1 is amazing. You should send that to the White House and see if they want to use it on this year's Christmas card!! :P

By the way...does AF 1 have a fighter jet escort?

Thank you. I may just do that!

I don't think it has an escort anymore. Only when the terror level is raised do they scramble jets to escort it across country if I am not mistaken. It may, but I don't think it has any anymore.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes they do. You can see them over by the operations center off Hangar LN. They are nice looking!

A little flight info, the Salt Lake City flight is being dropped thanks to fuel prices. Delta is redoing a number of routes and flights. Canceling some and dropping some to seasonal only. Unfortuantly, this was one that was dropped completely.

Damn. That's one flight I really hate to see go away. The Salt Lake City area is one of my favorite areas to visit. I love skiing in Utah, and I love visiting the Utah desert and canyons in the summer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.