Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) received multiple top honors at the 2025 Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA) Marketing and Communications Conference (MARCOM) awards ceremony held on December 3, in Kansas City. Since its formation in 1990, the Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Awards have recognized the quality of work, abundance of talent and creativity within the airport industry’s marketing, communications and customer experience fields.
This recognition underscores something that defines AVL: big impact, small team. AVL continues to earn distinction across North America for forward-thinking communications, strategic marketing initiatives and a passenger-first mindset that mirrors the spirit of the region it serves. Out of nearly 400 entries from airports across the U.S. and Canada, AVL received more total recognition than any other airport this year, including: Brand Identity, Video, Promotional Item, Best in Airport Partnerships and Overall Marketing Strategy for a Small Airport. The airport also received the Peggy G. Hereford Award, the highest industry honor in the competition.
Brand Identity
AVL’s refreshed brand identity was honored for strengthening audience connection, increasing engagement and authentically reflecting the character of Western North Carolina. Learn more about AVL’s brand identity: www.flyavl.com/Brand-Package
Video
AVL produced a short film documenting Hurricane Helene’s impact and the airport’s role as the region’s vital gateway for relief operations. View the video: www.flyavl.com/HURRICANEHELENE
Promotional Item
An interactive postcard printing station created with Asheville artist Jessica C. White invited travelers to print and mail their own Appalachian inspired postcards at no cost. Watch an Instagram reel featuring this event here.
Best in Airport Partnerships
AVL and partner airports across the Southeast were recognized for coordinated support of Hurricane Helene relief efforts in western North Carolina. AVL shared this award with Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Piedmont Triad International Airport, Wilmington International Airport, Charleston International Airport, McGhee Tyson Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Gulfport–Biloxi International Airport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Overall Marketing Strategy Small Airport
AVL earned top honors for its comprehensive and results driven marketing strategy that clearly defines the airport’s brand and supports continued growth.
Tina Kinsey, AVL’s Chief Administrative Officer, was also named the 2025 recipient of the Ted Bushelman Legacy Award for Creativity and Excellence. The international honor recognizes exceptional leadership and significant contributions to airport marketing, communications and customer experience.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Kinsey said. “It reflects the dedication of the talented teams I have had the privilege to work with at AVL and across our industry. Our shared commitment to serving our community and telling our airport’s story continues to inspire me every day.”
Lew Bleiweis, president and CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, commended both the team and Kinsey for their achievements.
“I am incredibly proud of AVL’s marketing and communications team,” Bleiweis said. “Their creativity and strategic approach consistently elevate our airport and strengthen our connection with Western North Carolina. Tina’s recognition is especially well deserved, reflecting her continued standing as a respected leader across the aviation industry.”
ABOUT AVL
Serving more than 2.2 million passengers in 2024 Asheville Regional Airport is continuing its growth trajectory. The Airport is served by six airlines that provide nonstop service to 26 nonstop destinations. AVL is building a world-class airport terminal, AVL Forward, the largest infrastructure project in its history. With a mission to champion exceptional experiences and economic vitality, AVL continues to be an authentic and convenient gateway for business and adventure. Learn more at flyAVL.com.
ACI-NA related press release links:
From left: Carrie Kelly (Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting), Kari Goetz (Winzig Consulting), Angi Daus (Asheville Regional Airport VP Air Service + Corporate Communications), Tina Kinsey, A.A.E. (Asheville Regional Airport Chief Administrative Officer), Kevin M. Burke (President and CEO Airports Council International – North America), Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E. (Asheville Regional Airport President + CEO), Alexandra Ingle (Asheville Regional Airport Marketing + PR Manager), Erin Burns (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Deputy Director of Aviation for Customer Experience, Marketing & Communications).
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From left: Kevin M. Burke (President and CEO Airports Council International – North America), Tina Kinsey, A.A.E. (Asheville Regional Airport Chief Administrative Officer), Erin Burns (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Deputy Director of Aviation for Customer Experience, Marketing & Communications).
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