(Asheville, N.C.)  After 30 years at Asheville Regional Airport, most recently as the Chief of Public Safety, Chief Jeff Augram retired on December 1.  During his time at the airport, Augram worked as a public safety officer and aircraft fire and rescue professional.  For the past ten years, Augram served as public safety chief, and was responsible for all public safety and aircraft fire and rescue services at Asheville Regional Airport.  Augram holds numerous advanced certifications, and was most recently awarded his advanced law certificate, one of the highest accomplishments in the field of law enforcement. “Jeff leaves a long legacy at Asheville Regional Airport,” said Lew Bleiweis, executive director.  “We wish him well as he begins to enjoy his retirement.” Captain Kevan Smith, who has worked in the airport’s public safety department for many years, has been promoted to interim chief of public safety, and will serve in this role until a new chief is hired.  

(Asheville, N.C.)  The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) is pleased to announce the awarding of two Advanced Law Certificates to Jeff Augram, recently retired chief of public safety, and Lieutenant Jimmy Brissie. The certificates reflect the officers’ dedication to continued education and many years of experience in law enforcement. Five out of 14 public safety officers at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) have received this recognition. 

The certificates were established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission in order to recognize officers in government agencies who strive for professional improvement and also to attract highly-qualified candidates to law enforcement. The commission met and after examination of the officers’ credentials, approved issuance of the Advanced Certifications. Officers who receive the awards must go through a rigorous training program and exceed standards set forth by the State of North Carolina for law enforcement.

“It is an honor to work each day next to these extraordinary officers who are responsible for maintaining the highest level of safety and security at the Asheville Regional Airport,” said Lew Bleiweis, Executive Director of the airport. “This particular certificate requires a lot of time and effort and we appreciate all of our officers who have gone the extra mile to attain this award.”

Jeff Augram served in the Department of Public Safety at Asheville Regional Airport for more than 30 years, most recently as Chief of Public Safety, a role he held for nearly 10 years. The advanced law certificate was Chief Augram’s last significant accomplishment at Asheville Regional Airport.  Chief Augram retired this month.

Officer Jimmy Brissie has been employed by the Asheville Regional Airport for more than seven years. “It has been an honor to receive this Advanced Certification, it represents hundreds of hours of training and exercise in preparing for emergencies in order to better serve the airport community,” Brissie said.

Officers working at AVL who have already received the Advanced Law Enforcement Officer Certificates are Kevan Smith, Interim Chief of Public Safety, and Officers Mike Miller and Bruce Blackwell.

By Tina Kinsey, Director of Marketing, PR &  Air Service Development

Air travel today is different than it was a few years ago.  Namely, airlines no longer fly empty planes, and they are flying more routes seasonally, especially from regional airports. What is a seasonal route?  A seasonal route happens when an airline flies non-stop to a specific city, but only during peak travel months.  During slower travel months, that flight is suspended and the airline’s asset (their airplane) is dedicated to a busier travel route, perhaps in another market.  It’s all about success for the airlines – they are focused now more than ever on ensuring that every flight and route is profitable. Several seasonal routes are offered at Asheville Regional Airport.  Delta operates a daily non-stop to New York City’s LaGuardia International Airport during the summer months.  United flies a daily non-stop to New Jersey’s Newark International Airport summer through fall.  And Delta’s non-stop to Detroit flies almost yearly, but is suspended in winter. Seasonality in air travel appears more in markets with strong leisure travel numbers, and in popular leisure destinations with heavier air travel in peak leisure months.  Asheville Regional Airport’s traveler mix is 50 percent leisure. It is great to be able to hop on a non-stop to a popular destination, even if that option is available part-time during the year.  It is also good news that travelers have excellent connectivity year round from Asheville to hundreds of domestic and international destinations.  Asheville Regional Airport offers flights throughout each day to major hubs of Atlanta, Charlotte and Chicago, and most destinations are accessible with one easy connection. Remember:  the more you fly from AVL, the more stable our air service offerings will continue to be.  The numbers are important to the airlines, and strong utilization yields more seats and routes in our market.  Thanks for checking Asheville first for your air travel!

For the fifth month in a row, the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority has reported an increase in passenger traffic. The number of travelers departing from Asheville increased 14% for the month of August 2013 compared with August 2012.  September saw an increase of 12% compared to the same month last year, which was the fourth consecutive month of double-digit increases.

The increases can be attributed to several factors.  First, the airlines serving Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) have added seats in the market compared to the same period last year. New routes have been implemented, and residents in the area continue to show strong utilization of their local airport.

The increase in seats is projected to continue. The summer months saw an average seat increase of 16% compared to the same period last year, and the upcoming fall schedules are showing an average 8% seat increase.

Additionally, a new non-stop route to St. Petersburg, Fla. operated by ultra low-cost carrier Allegiant Travel Company started in June, which added to the flight options available for travelers.  Soon thereafter, a non-stop to Ft. Myers, Fla. was announced, and will begin operating on October 30.

It is also very positive that the flights from the airport are full.  “The average flight from AVL is about 80% full, and we have some that are 85-95% full,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., executive director of Asheville Regional Airport.  The airlines have ‘right-sized’ their offerings to fit the demands of air travelers in this market and the flight options are working for many air travelers in the region. 

“We want our airline partners to be successful, because that means they will continue to serve western North Carolina,” said Bleiweis.  “The ‘fly local’ message is important, and we will continue to encourage travelers in our region to check AVL first, and fly local whenever they can.”

Another positive statistic:  the Airport Connectivity Quality Index, released in June 2013 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), showed Asheville Regional Airport as the best connected non-hub airport in the United States.  “AVL enjoys excellent air service for a region our size,” said Bleiweis.  “And I commend our region for recognizing the symbiotic relationship between flying local and retaining and attracting the excellent air service that is available to us all.”

(Asheville, N.C.)  The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) is pleased to announce the addition of a new board member, Carol Peterson. Peterson was appointed by the Buncombe County Commission to fill a vacant seat on the board, and attended her first board meeting on October 11, 2013.

Peterson received her master’s in Education Administration at University of Tennessee after graduating with a B.S. in Education from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She also has taken advanced studies in school administration at Western Carolina University. She spent 30 years serving the students of Asheville and Buncombe Counties through Asheville City Schools. In the community, she served on numerous political and non-profit boards including the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Review, Riverfront Redevelopment Board and United Way Board. Peterson is a former member of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, where she focused on building jobs and supporting local businesses. As a Buncombe County native, she plays an active role in the agricultural community there with her husband, Bruce.

“We are looking forward to having Carol serve as the newest member of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board,” said Dave Hillier, GARAA chairman.  “Her extensive experience in the community will be of great value as we continue to ensure that Asheville Regional Airport is successful and an important cornerstone organization for the region.”

The GARAA is also served by Bob Roberts, Regional Executive Vice-President of First Citizens Bank & Trust Company and GARAA Vice-Chair; K. Ray Bailey, former president of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and former Buncombe County Commissioner; Jeffrey Piccirillo, hospitality industry executive; Andrew Tate, President & CEO of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development; and Doug Tate, partner at McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A..

Fall is not only a time of changing leaves and temperatures, but also time to change the canvases and frames hanging in the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) art gallery. From the beginning of October through January 3, 2014 the Art in the Airport program will feature six fresh artists from the western North Carolina region for its 19^th exhibit. Fine photography, abstract paintings and modern pottery are tucked into a gallery open to airport visitors and travelers alike near the center of the airport terminal. The 19th exhibit displays more than 30 pieces of original art by artists who bring a variety of educational backgrounds and different media to the table. 

Artist: Hannah Hall (etsy.com/shop/BirdsOfTheAirArtist)

Hannah Hall recently graduated with a bachelors in studio art from North Greenville University and returned to her hometown of Saluda while she applies to masters’ of fine arts programs. She has displayed her art in the WNC Agricultural Center and been published in the Mountain Laurel. Hannah has eight small ceramic sculptures on display as well as some black and white photographs reminding viewers of simpler times.

Artist: Joe Longobardi (joelongobardiphotography.com)

Photographer Joe Longobardi has several black and white photographs on display that highlight the current people, scenes and happenings of downtown Asheville. Longobardi has spent the last six years as a professional photographer and has exhibited his work as far as San Francisco, California. Longobardi has been featured in several publications including Our State magazine, The Laurel of Asheville and Mountain Xpress.

Artist: Zaire Kacz (zairekaczphotography.com)

Zaire Kacz got her start as a professional fashion photographer in Miami, Florida, and her work has been featured in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar. The Venezuela native decided to move to Asheville and used her experience to become a professional artist. Her most recent series, Reborn, highlights dancers from the Terpsicorps’ Theater of Dance and served as the inspiration for a ballet.

Artist: Harper Leich (harperleich.com)

Harper Leich moved to Asheville in 2004 to join the Asheville Mural Project after graduating from Denison University with a B.F.A. and completing an internship with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. Her artwork is inspired by photographs she conceptualizes and takes of friends before turning them into large oil on canvas portraits. North Carolina Mountains and fall leaves serve as backdrops to some of her earthy-toned artwork with bright pops of color and a futuristic playfulness.

Artist: John Haldane (john-haldane.artistwebsites.com)

North Carolina landscapes inspire another featured photographer, John Haldane, who brings some of the fall season and Asheville sights into the airport with his photographs on canvas. Scenes from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Linville River and Asheville’s city hall can be found in a gallery space near baggage claim. Haldane’s images have been published in several local magazines including The Scenic, The Laurel of Asheville and Costco’s magazine.

Artist: Dawn Behling (dawnbehling.com)

Artist Dawn Behling has a collection of work inspired by nature that incorporates imagery from ocean life, trees and plants within her pieces. She layers textured materials and uses various techniques including screen printing and painting to create unique pieces. Behling studied textiles and weaving while earning her B.F.A. from East Carolina University and continued her education to receive a M.F.A. from Western Carolina University.

"The Art in the Airport program continues to grow and allows us to highlight regional artists," said Tina Kinsey, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at AVL. “We are glad these artists are eager to share their artwork with the thousands of travelers through AVL each week so they get a better sense of the culture and beauty of western North Carolina.”

The exhibit is open to all guests and located outside the security checkpoint. Pieces can be purchased from the gallery by emailing art@flyavl.com.

Artists who reside in any of the eleven counties within AVL's primary service market may apply for acceptance into upcoming exhibits. An advisory committee, made up of regional artists, participates in the selection process. Details about the program, including application instructions, can be found on the airport's website at flyavl.com.

The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) is pleased to announce the addition of a new board member, Carol Peterson. Peterson was appointed by the Buncombe County Commission to fill a vacant seat on the board, and attended her first board meeting on October 11, 2013. Peterson received her master’s in Education Administration at University of Tennessee after graduating with a B.S. in Education from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She also has taken advanced studies in school administration at Western Carolina University. She spent 30 years serving the students of Asheville and Buncombe Counties through Asheville City Schools. In the community, she served on numerous political and non-profit boards including the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Review, Riverfront Redevelopment Board and United Way Board. Peterson is a former member of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, where she focused on building jobs and supporting local businesses. As a Buncombe County native, she plays an active role in the agricultural community there with her husband, Bruce. “We are looking forward to having Carol serve as the newest member of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board,” said Dave Hillier, GARAA chairman. “Her extensive experience in the community will be of great value as we continue to ensure that Asheville Regional Airport is successful and an important cornerstone organization for the region.” The GARAA is also served by Bob Roberts, Regional Executive Vice-President of First Citizens Bank & Trust Company and GARAA Vice-Chair; K. Ray Bailey, former president of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and former Buncombe County Commissioner; Jeffrey Piccirillo, hospitality industry executive; Andrew Tate, President & CEO of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development; and Doug Tate, partner at McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A..

The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has joined forces with Thanks Again to offer airport travelers valuable rewards when they park, shop and dine at the airport. The new program allows airport passengers to automatically earn more frequent flyer miles or hotel points when they park in long- or short-term parking at AVL, or shop and dine at the Blue Ridge Trading + Tavern in the airport's terminal. Travelers can also earn rewards at more than 160 airports and 20,000 neighborhood businesses across the U.S. Enrollment in the program is free and easy - users simply register any credit or debit card at thanksagain.com/AVL and then use that card for purchases at qualifying locations to earn one mile or two points for every dollar spent. "A lot of our passengers are very frequent travelers, and we wanted to reward that loyalty to the Asheville Airport in a way that would be meaningful," said Tina Kinsey, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "We love that passengers can now support our community by flying local and also get a little something back. It's really a way for us to say 'thank you' to our frequent flyers." To learn more and to register for the program, visit flyavl.com/fly4biz.

(Asheville, N.C.) Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) contributes close to half a billion dollars annually to the western North Carolina region, according to a recent economic impact study by The Institute for Transportation Research & Education at North Carolina State University. “This is important information to share with the communities we serve,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Executive Director, “Asheville Regional Airport is important to our region for more reasons than air travel. It’s a key driver of jobs, local spending, tourism and economic development.”  AVL recently published a summary of its economic impact, based on the North Carolina State University study, as well as studies conducted by Syneva Economics and Airports Council International – North America. Of specific note, the airport contributes 1,700 jobs to the region, and every 50-seat round-trip flight has a real and positive impact on the community – approximately $43,000 circulated locally through employment income, passenger spending and taxes. “The national airport industry is second only to Wal-Mart in the number of jobs it generates, and contributes eight percent of the total U.S. gross domestic product,” explained Bleiweis, quoting data from Airports Council International. “Boil that down to the state and local level, and Asheville Regional Airport contributes significantly to the six percent of the state gross domestic product generated by airports, and ranks fourth out of nine North Carolina commercial airports for economic impact in the state.” What does this data truly mean for western North Carolina? “The presence of a strong regional airport is beneficial in many ways for residents of our area,” explained Bleiweis. “And it’s important to understand this bigger picture when making decisions about which airport to use. While it may not always make sense to ‘buy local’, the more often a local decision is made, the stronger the economy becomes. This philosophy applies to airports, as well, and I encourage the community to continue to keep this in mind when making purchasing decisions.” View the summary of economic impact.