On August 8, 2014 Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) broke ground on the biggest construction project since the airport was originally built, titled Project SOAR:  Significant Opportunity for Aviation and the Region.  The 5-year, 4-phase project, slated for completion some time in 2018, will result in a new replacement runway, a second taxiway and 40+ acres of land suitable for aeronautical development. 

“This is a milestone event,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Asheville Regional Airport’s Executive Director.  “This day is one that will be remembered 50 years from now as a major step that helped position western North Carolina for additional growth in aviation.”

The airport’s runway is being replaced for three reasons.  First, the existing runway (which is 50+ years old) is nearing the end of its useful life and will require major reconstruction to continue its use into the future. Second, the existing runway and taxiway at AVL are slightly closer together than the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now requires – standards put in place long after the AVL runway was constructed.  The third reason for the project relates to the airport's 20+ year master plan.  Upon completion of the new airfield, AVL will have land suitable for new aeronautical development, accessible to the runway on the new west-side taxiway.

Because the runway is nearing the end of its useful life (within the next 5 years), the FAA has agreed that it is now time to pursue this project at Asheville Regional Airport – one that will result in a runway that meets current standards, and one that will carry air service for western North Carolina into the future for the next 50+ years.

FAA and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) grant funds, as well as airport funds intended for aviation system improvements, will cover the $64 million cost. The airport is not funded by local taxpayers, so no local tax funds will be involved in this project.

“The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board works diligently to make solid decisions now that will carry the airport forward to meet our region’s growing air service needs, and equally important, our region’s potential,” said Bob Roberts, Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board Chair.  “It is exciting to think about the opportunities for future business development that will be made possible by this significant project.”

The celebration also came at an appropriate time, as Asheville Regional Airport saw a solid year of passenger growth, up 14% compared to the previous year.  The growth substantiates projections used to develop the airport’s 20 year master plan, in which Project SOAR is a major part.

To learn more details and to view a short video about Project SOAR, visit www.flyavl.com.

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The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority is pleased to announce the promotion of Kevan Smith to Chief of Public Safety.

Smith brings more than twenty-five years of public safety experience to the airport, and has been a member of the airport’s department of public safety since 1991.  Starting as a public safety officer, Smith worked his way up to public safety training officer, and then to Captain in 2004, a role in which he managed the daily operations of the public safety department, the security program and staff training. 

Smith holds numerous special certifications, including an Advanced Law Enforcement Certification from the NC Department of Justice, Firefighter Level II and Technical Rescuer Certifications from the NC Department of Insurance and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, an Advanced Safety Certificate from the National Safety Council and Leadership 1, 2 and 3 certifications from the National Fire Academy.  In addition to these certifications, Smith is a certified Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Trainer with the American Association of Airport Executives and the Federal Aviation Administration, he is an Airport Security Coordinator, an Incident Command Instructor certified by the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and is a trained Emergency Medical Technician.

 “Kevan has been a valuable employee and excellent member of the public safety team for more than twenty years,” said Lew Bleiweis, executive director of Asheville Regional Airport.  “I am pleased to welcome him to the senior management team at the Airport Authority, and look forward to his leadership of the department of public safety.”

A native resident of Western North Carolina, Smith’s civic involvement has been extensive throughout the years, and he is currently a member of the Transylvania County Rescue Squad, and the Transylvania County Democratic Men’s Club.

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By Callie Polk, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist There are so many factors that go into setting airfare, so we thought we would try to break it down.  Keep in mind – we only know the basics.  The airlines have their own business models that vary, and pricing strategies are pretty confidential!

First of all, it is important to understand that airlines set ticket prices, not airports. AVL has no control over the day-to-day airfare prices, and prices can vary from day to day or even minute to minute.   It all starts when the airline chooses a particular aircraft for a flight route – that determines how many seats are available per flight – otherwise in the industry known as capacity. The type of aircraft also determines how many seats are available in each class (first, business, coach, etc.). Each class is then broken down into a sort of “fare bucket” system where maybe out of 100 coach seats, every 10 have a different set of pricing stipulations.  And these fare buckets vary based upon the markets served, and the best pricing that can be achieved. So in addition to the base price (which, as we’ve indicated, varies greatly based on routes, seats, origin markets and demand for the service), some other costs come into play that affect ticket pricing:

1. Ticket taxes
2. Airport facility use fees (called “Passenger Facility Charges” that are up to $4.50 per boarding)
3. Fuel costs and surcharges

And then there are the optional services a passenger may elect to include:

1. On-board amenities, such as Wi-Fi and meals
2. Selection of seats or better seats
3. Baggage fees

OK.  So the base ticket pricing is now set.  The next question we often hear is, “Why do fares fluctuate so much?”  The age old answer applies: supply and demand in the market. Based on seat availability and demand, prices can change throughout the day, week or month. Airlines use sophisticated computer software to monitor buyer habits and trends, and to raise and lower prices when the demand is expected to be higher or lower, respectively. These price fluctuations include times of year, holidays and heavy vacation times, and days of the week. Generally speaking, a flight on a Monday, Friday or Sunday can cost more than others because they’re generally busier flight days. Same goes for the time of day – if it’s a prime time to fly (say right after work on a Friday) you might just pay more. The complexities of airfare pricing are related directly to profit maximization. Airlines are in the business to make a profit – much like any for-profit business, large or small. In order to do so, they have developed these sophisticated and complex pricing models.   (Again – there is so much more to it, but we’d need an airline pricing expert to tell that story!) You may wonder – if airlines want to fill their planes, why not lower costs right before the departure date to gather as many passengers as possible? Another piece of this pricing puzzle is that oftentimes, it can be more profitable to sell a few high-dollar tickets to travelers on a deadline (the business traveler) than to sell 20 tickets at lower rates. However, if the coach seats haven’t been filled – an airline might open up a new “fare bucket” for those seats to make sure costs are covered. Finally, comparing fares at different airports is common.  What does a comparison tell you? It can give you a snapshot of a moment in time.  Remember, fares change.  A lot.  Especially if there are market conditions that dramatically affect supply and demand.   Each airline is monitoring different factors that affect prices at each different airport. And the market is king. Check AVL first for your travel needs.  And perhaps, if you can, check often.  We monitor fares routinely, and on average, fares from AVL are competitive.  There are even great deals to be found. For more information, visit flyavl.com.

Asheville, NC – The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority reported a seven percent increase in passenger traffic for the 2013 calendar year, which was the third highest number of annual passengers reported in the past decade. While traffic each year varied, overall Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has seen a steady increase in traffic over time.

In 2013, seven consecutive months of increased traffic were reported from June through December, with December 2013 showing a 28% increase in traffic over December 2012. The upswing in traffic in 2013 can be credited to several factors like new routes, added available seats, and this region’s strong utilization of services at AVL.

Two new non-stop flights to Florida were added by ultra low-cost carrier Allegiant Travel Company, one of Asheville Regional Airport’s (AVL) newest partners. A flight to St. Petersburg, Fla. was added in June and a flight to Ft. Myers, Fla. was added in October, coinciding with the increase in traffic.

Other partner airlines were able to increase the number of seats available on existing flights by more than 15% during some months in summer and fall. Residents in the area choosing to fly local are another contributing factor, keeping planes full.

“Any year where the traffic percentages have increased is positive but to show a trend that we are growing over time is meaningful,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., executive director of Asheville Regional Airport. “Airlines have realized that we have a strong demand for air service in this market and we are seeing full flights.”

Looking forward, Bleiweis says, “It is the people of western North Carolina who are driving this positive trend and we look forward to their support of the local airport in 2014.”

The 20^th Art in the Airport exhibit at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has unveiled lots of bright colors and textures to please any passerby. Now through mid-May, a collection of paintings, paper art and turned wood will grace AVL’s art gallery, located in the main lobby area in the terminal.  The 20^th exhibit features seven different artists from the Western North Carolina region specializing in different art forms. There are more than 50 pieces of art featured. Some unique pieces include carefully crafted paper sculptures, magnolia seedpod necklaces and bronze-sculpted bonsai trees near the baggage claim area. “We continue to see this program grow with each show and gain more attention from local artists,” said Tina Kinsey, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at AVL. “We love being able to display local art our passengers can enjoy while also showcasing an important piece of Western North Carolina’s culture.” 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. Details about the program, including application instructions, can be found on the airport's website.

(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.”